TODAY IS:

Forest Row, in partnership with Douche, entertained Hove Unions in conditions more akin to April than the end of July. Winning the toss, Row duly invited Unicorns to bat on a damp wicket. Opening up with MJ Keeler and Trench, Row kept a disciplined line, making scoring difficult. Keeler was eventually rewarded for his efforts – bowling Holmes (12) for the initial breakthrough. Trench then took two in two, as Row’s fine bowling was backed up fielding to match – particularly from young Jacob James and Ryan Fletcher. Keeler snr and Mason kept Row’s grip on the scoring. Mason induced a poor shot from Eyles (30), who had looked to hold the innings together. Fletcher’s entrance proved to be just as frugal – and was rewarded by the wicket of DeFraitas (10). Jackson collected two wickets at the end – Smith (42) stumped Divall & Glennan (10) caught Mason. Unicorns totalled 156-9 at tea.

In reply, Row lost two early wickets, though Jackson & Divall set about the bowling with aplomb. They found the boundary on numerous occasions, when one adventure down the wicket too many, brought the demise of Divall (40) – stumped. Trench picked up the baton, riding his luck along the way. ‘Row had a mini wobble as Jackson (29), Trench (36) then Horlock (1) fell. However the mantle of steering Row to victory fell to the Keelers – father & son, who ensured there was no more upsets, to set up a four wicket win.

Scores: Hove Unicorns 156-9 (45) Smith 42, Eyles 30. Trench 8-3-13-2, Jackson 2-0-14-2
Mason 8-1-18-2
Forest Row 158-6 (29) Divall 40, Trench 36, Jackson 29 DeFraitus 2.1-0-26-2