Steyning come through Rye test to maintain perfect start

But skipper David Kennett was happy to see his side come through their first real test at home to Rye on Saturday.

Kennett, who hit another fine half century as the hosts chased down Rye’s 193, said: “Even though it was a six-wicket win Rye gave us our biggest challenge so far. We were backs to the wall after they made a strong start at 80-1 so we did well to respond and keep them to under 200 on a flat wicket.”

Ed Lamb, despite hardly bowling this season, came in and took 4-20 including two wickets in one over which “changed the complex of the innings”. Andy Isaacs finally got some reward for bowling 19 good overs as he claimed three important wickets.

After Hywel Jones was out for 37 in bizarre fashion, Kennett (65 not out) and Ben Shelford (63) built a imperious century stand to guide Steyning home.

Kennett’s side lead Slinfold by 20 points and he added: “We haven’t dropped a point yet which is great.

“We are strong favourites to go up but we didn’t expect a start like this. The challenge now is to maintain it for as long as we can.”