Sussex Cricket League round-up: Lindfield pull off great escape

Lindfield captain, Simon Shivnarain

Sussex Newspapers Sports Editor, Mark Dunford, rounds up the action from the top three divisions of the Sussex Cricket League...

With the Premier Division ups and downs sorted before the final day, all the drama was in Division 2 and Division 3 East.

Division 2

Lindfield pulled off an incredible escape from relegation. Simon Shivnarain’s side had spent most of the year in the bottom two but three consecutive wins gave them hope on the final day. They had to beat Mayfield and rely on Ansty losing to Billingshurst. Lindfield (204-5) fielded first and restricted promotion-chasing Mayfield to 201-6 from 45 overs - who in turn won promotion by claiming the four points needed. Tom Hinley (54) and Toby Shepperson (46 not out) were the top scorers in the run chase which saw them survive the drop. They finished on the same points as Ansty, but more wins throughout the season meant Lindfield survived.

Ansty (156 all out) lost by 32 runs to Billingshurst (188 all out) with Tom Haynes hitting 59 before taking 5-40.

Three Bridges (192-6) claimed the Division 2 title despite losing to Haywards Heath (196-6).

Other Division 2 results: Bognor Regis (125-6) beat Bexhill (120 all out); Chichester Priory Park (138 all out) lost St James's Montefiore (219-9).

Division 3 East

Burgess Hill won the title and the only promotion spot after Portslade, who were ahead going into the last game, lost at Seaford. 

Burgess Hill (103-4) gave themselves a chance of the title by beating Brighton and Hove 2nd XI (100 all out) by six wickets in quick time.

They had to wait more than two hours before they heard that Portslade (199-9) lost to Seaford (200-8) in the final over of the game.

Other Division 3 East results: Bexhill 2nd XI (56 all out) lost to East Grinstead 2nd XI (59-0); Eastbourne 2nd XI (275-4) beat Crawley Eagles (197 all out); Hastings & St Leonards Priory 2nd XI (165 all out) lost to Preston Nomads 2nd XI (217 all out). EAST GRINSTEAD RELEGATED.

Division 3 West

Findon (212 all out) lost to Roffey 2nd XI (218 all out); Steyning (154 all out) lost to Slinfold (173 all out); Stirlands (194-9) lost to Pagham (210-4); Three Bridges 2nd XI (144 all out) lost to Goring By Sea (287-9); Worthing 220-8 beat West Chiltington & Thakeham (164 all out).

Highlights: Justin Scott took 5-21 for Pagham; Finley Allen took 5-23 for Worthing. SLINFOLD and THREE BRIDGES RELEGATED

Premier Division

Cuckfield (129-5) beat Hastings & St Leonards Priory (128 all out); East Grinstead (276-8) beat Eastbourne (237 all out); Middleton (316-4) beat Ifield (150 all out); Preston Nomads (181-8) beat Brighton & Hove (180 all out); Roffey (292-9) beat Horsham (252 all out).

Highlights: Abi Sakande 5-39 for Cuckfield; Sean Heather 127 and Jack Dawlin 102 for Middleton.