Smith’s half century eases Martlets to victory

Eastbourne College 175 (46 overs); D Ibrahim 102*; J Francis 4-42, M Trubshaw 3-35
Sussex Martlets 178-3 (37 overs); J Smith 70*

This Martlets side epitomised what the Martlets stand for. A relatively comfortable seven-wicket victory was followed by a thorough post match debrief; several Sussex league legends attended, some now parents of our opposition, to discuss the day and many a yesteryear.

The weather was fair for the day and Eastbourne College skipper Harrison Tagg won the toss and elected to bat first.

Tagg and opening partner Dan Ibrahim put on 57 for the first wicket inside 13 overs. The introduction of spin, from the former college captain Jacob Smith (6-0-18-1), made the breakthrough to remove Tagg for 31.

The miserly Derek Horsham (10-1-19-2) and former pupil Jamie Francis (10-0-42-4) pegged back the college either side of lunch and made dents in the middle order. Meanwhile Ibrahim went about his business with patience and class and was unbeaten on 54 at lunch with his side 102 for six from 30 overs.

After the break, Ibrahim took control of the next 15 overs, punishing anything short or off line, turning down singles where necessary and guiding his team to a valuable 175. In that time he carried his bat for 102 not out, from 157 balls with 11 fours and two sixes. Martlets skipper Mark Trubshaw (7-0-35-3) mopped up the last three wickets.

The run chase saw Ben Pullen (2) fall early, trapped leg-before, but the Martlets were in a strong position at tea, on 47 for one from 13 overs.

Ibrahim (5-0-23-1) was back in the action after tea bowling Luke Tomsett (25). A run a-ball 47 by former pupil Arthur Pickard was brought to an end with a catch — by Ibrahim, of course — off the bowling of Tom Coomber (2-0-13-1).

With a little over 30 required Chris Borsoi (12*) and Jacob Smith (70*) knocked off the required runs with 13 overs to spare. Smith faced 101 balls, scoring six fours and one six.

Many thanks to the scorers, umpires and to Eastbourne College for their hospitality.

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