TODAY IS:

Forest Row, re-engaging their sponsorship with Flora pro-Activ, commenced their new season, in their brand new pavilion. Entertaining Clayton in a 40 over friendly, ‘Row, under new skipper Neil Divall – won the toss and elected to field. ‘Row achieved an early breakthrough with Paul Rowe accepting a sharp return catch off Proda (2). Latham and Knight (15) added 50 when, after struggling for rhythm, had Knight well caught by a diving Richard Woodward – at shortish square leg off the bowling of Martin Britt. Britt soon after, had Lisle (9) chipping to Pete Dawes at short mid on, then Greenwell – caught Steve Barnet at short cover. Latham raised a fifty, but was then bowled off his pads by Britt, to finish with 4-29 off 8 overs. The spin of Jackson accounted for P.Woodward (8) and Carden(5), Humphreys sent Bacon(0) Back from the Middle – LBW after a Rasher stroke! Clayton closed on 148-9 off their (40).
In reply, Row opened with Phil Rowe(21) and Mark Jackson (26). After a cautious start, Jackson started to open up with some flowing shots – adding 58 for the first wicket. ‘Row then managed to lose 4 wickets for 4runs, with Woodward and Barnet falling cheaply. Peter way and Neil Divall steadied the ship and counter attacked well, adding 57, as the light started to fade. Carden broke through, bowling Divall (32) with a cracker, then taking two more wickets to leave ‘Row on 119-7. Humphreys joined Way, however, was struck on the foot by the returning Beal – who took two further wickets. ‘Row were teetering on the edge of defeat. Humphreys returned with a runner, though it was Way who took command, steering to scores level – when a genuine wide sealed a gripping contest.