Sussex Martlets 173 for 6 in 35 overs (Adam Davies 72)
Brighton College 111 all out (Ben Speake 4 for 17, David Twine 3 for 29)
After last year’s high-scoring thriller at Arundel, the Martlets arrived at Brighton College ready for another tight encounter, and for much of the day, it looked as if that would be the case.
The incessant rain of the previous fortnight meant that the college wicket was going to be even slower & lower than usual, but with one of the opening bowlers still en route to the ground from a casting session in London, the Martlets opted to bat first. Will Ross was looking forward to spending some time in the middle in his first game of the season, but fell in the very first over to the classic “wide, no-ball, jaffa-pitching-middle-hitting-top-of-off” routine! Old Brightonian Adam Davies was once again the backbone of the Martlets innings, and it was his battling knock of 72, ably supported by 20s from Adam Scott and Paddy Jadeja, that allowed us to post a competitive total of 173 from our 35 overs.
We were quickly on the defensive, though, as young Calum Waters proceeded to bat as if he needed to get somewhere in a hurry…which it turned out that he did! Before departing for some A-level tutoring, he smashed the Martlets bowling to all parts, and when he was finally bowled by David Twine for a whirlwind 43 from 25 balls, the home side had raced to 65 in 7 overs. The home side were unable to capitalise on this start, as our bowlers settled down and started to turn the screw. Three Bridges Kiwi Ben Speake was the pick of our bowling, taking 4 wickets (including 2 in successive balls) for just 17 runs, while David Twine recovered well from the early onslaught to grab 3. The College’s innings petered out at 111, leaving the Martlets winners by a handsome margin.
There was just time after the game for our resident actor to show off his jewellery (!), and for a celebratory drink at The Ginger Dog.