Slinfold show off strength in depth with victory over third-placed Rye

Despite, six changes to last week’s team that won at Stirlands, they eased to victory in a low-scoring game at home to one of the division’s fiercest bowling attacks.

Rye suffered their first defeat of the season last week against Henfield - which was the first time a side had scored more than 120 runs against them this season.

But it was Slinfold, who restricted their visitors on Saturday as they bowled them out for 105 in 27.2 overs.

Only James Hamilton (20), Kshermal Wainganka (12), and Spencer Fielding (18) contributed as Daniel Graycon stepped into the first team to claim 4-19, backed up by Akeem Jordan’s 3-28 and Tom Filby’s 2-37.

In reply, the home side lost their first three wickets for just 15 runs between them, as the league’s second leading wicket taker Wainganka (3-36) worked his magic.

But he could not do anything about number four Paul Osborne, who put in a solid unbeaten knock of 59 as he and Filby (12*) saw them to victory with 107-5 inside 21 overs.

Captain Guy Thorne, who was one of those missing, said: “I am delighted to have made it five consecutive league wins, I think it is the first time we’ve achieved that in the Sussex County League, and it’s been replicated by our second team, which is great for the club.

“We have worked hard as a team and we had some really notable performances against Rye. It was great to see 17-year-old Dan Graycon come into the first team and pick up four wickets, he’s got great potential and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the first team this year.

“It was also a fantastic knock from Paul Osborne who is coming into a little bit of form for us. His knock was aggressive, but he also dug in when he needed to against the county’s leading wicket taker.

“It was a hugely impressive knock, and if he continues to focus, I’m sure the runs will continue to come for him and the team.

“We had six missing from our previous victory with a stag do accounting for a few of those, so it’s really pleasing to see the depth of our squad.”

Slinfold host an in-form Henfield on Saturday, and Thorne added: “We always have close and competitive games. They are good unit and have a good team ethic.”

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