Sir Paul Getty XI | Sussex Martlets

Match Report

Sunday 5th June was scheduled to be our bi-annual trip up to the beautiful grounds of Wormsley Estate to play St Paul Getty’s XI. With a disastrous forecast, many would have been playing the rain card late Saturday night. However, no rain or wind all day meant we were all very cold, but very happy to play on what could easily be considered the most picturesque ground in the country. Certainly on a par with Arundel, and we look forward to hosting the reciprocal next season.

This year was made more special as Joe O’Gorman (a current Martlet) was skippering the Getty’s. After a one sided game last season; mainly thanks to Jordan Shaw’s opening spell and Italy’s finest Marcus Campopiano’s fiery knock, Getty’s were after revenge. O’Gorman won the toss and rightfully bowled on a gloomy day and Martlets opened up with the deadly duo of Peter Lamb and Sam Carter. They did extremely well to fight off some excellent bowling at good pace before losing Lamb just after the 10 over mark for 7. We also had the pleasure of Malcolm Lamb (Peter’s father) whose photography is truly exceptional. We are very lucky to have him join us for some of the star fixtures of the season, we really appreciate his support. With seam, swing and a damp/cold wicket, Martlets battled as Jules Hunt counter attacked to make 23 before being caught. Sam Carter followed for 13, as the Martlets struggled to 53-3 off the first 20 overs. Jordan Shaw as always, gave some impetus to the innings with some lusty blows before finding the fielder on the mid wicket boundary for 36 off 29 balls. Worthing’s overseas Rohan Ryan was out cheaply as he edged behind, before debutant Alex Wakins (also Worthing) was bowled for a patient 12. Sean Rebbetts was out for just 2 with the Martlets struggling at 116-8. Darryl Rebbetts and Omkar somewhat steadied the ship before Rebbetts edged behind for 14. Mike Murray was reliable as always as the Martlets added some vital runs at the end of the innings before Murray was out for 7, leaving Om high and dry on 29*. Martlets finished on 166 off 50 overs showing the difficulty of the pitch and conditions.

Martlets started brightly after lunch though with the reliable pairing of Ben Davies and Mike Murray opening the bowling in still excellent bowling conditions. Davies was the first to strike with an excellent away swinging taking the off stump. It could have been two in quick succession but a couple of costly drop catches let the other opening batter (Reid) off the hook. Murray did pick up a couple in his first spell as Gety’s reached 39-3. Murray had 2-17 off 12 excellent overs. The Rebbetts brothers replaced them and Sean won the battle of the brothers by taking two more wickets in quick succession, O’Gorman hitting one straight to point before Rebbetts fired in a yorker next over to leave Getty reeling at 64-5. Unfortunately for the Martlets the next 100 runs came unscaved as Martlets dropped two more catches leaving everyone thinking the same thing “catches win matches, put them down at your peril”. This classic line fitted the bill perfectly as Reid was unbeaten 85 off a mammoth 157 balls while Sharp scored 47 off 90 balls to get Getty’s over the line with just 10 balls left. Martlets can be proud of their bowling display though keeping Getty’s at bay for 52.2 overs before the winning runs were hit. One again, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day with amazing food, excellent standard of cricket and spirit as always was held in the best of ways. A huge thank you to Getty’s again for hosting us so perfectly. We look forward to hosting you at ‘our’ home of cricket next year.