Billingshurst show character to get off the mark

Lindfield 217-7
Newly promoted Billingshurst have made a good start to life in Division TwoNewly promoted Billingshurst have made a good start to life in Division Two
Newly promoted Billingshurst have made a good start to life in Division Two

Billingshurst won by 5 wickets

Billingshurst skipper Ben Williams praised the character of his side after they bounced back from last week’s heavy opening day defeat with victory over Lindfield.

Hurst were bowled out for just 59 in an opening day humbling at St James’s, but on Saturday their batsman showed that was just a blip by chasing down 217 for a first win since promotion to Division Two.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was great to get off the mark, especially after what happened the week before,” Williams said. “We showed real character to chase down their score and our batsmen showed they’re getting into form, especially Mike (Burroughs) who was excellent.

A good all-round display with the ball restricted visiting Lindfield to 217 on a batting-friendly wicket at the Woodworm, that after they had made a quick start. Talented Surrey all-rounder Michael Rippon was the mainstay with 75, while Shane Wilson-Yelverton added 41.

David Dunn was the pick of the ‘Hurst bowlers with 3-33, while Andy Barr took 2-48 as they put the breaks on their opponents.

When Burroughs and Dhanuskha Mitipolaarachchi arrived at the crease ‘Hurst were 46-2 and they took that to 117 before Mitipolaarachchi was out four shy of his half century. Barr joined Burroughs (74) and showed his prowess with the bat with an unbeaten 45 to help ‘Hurst to a five-wicket win.

Williams added: “Mike played Rippon brilliantly but it was a good all-round team performance. We know we’re good enough to be in this league and this week we showed that.”