Title talk on hold as rivals fight for T20 final places

Roffey have the chance to book a place in the final for the first time in their history if they can beat Division 2 leaders Middleton away on Sunday.

A mouthwatering final at Hove could be on the cards if arch-rivals Horsham can also get through their last four clash against Brighton at Cricketfield Road.

The two clubs are currently locked in a battle for the Premier Division title, with the Lions 18 points ahead of Roffey in third, who are two points behind Cuckfield, but with a game in hand over both sides.

And despite having big league clashes on Saturday, against Cuckfield and Billingshurst respectively, the following day’s fixtures are just as appetising.

Roffey skipper Matt Davies will lead his side into their first ever Sussex T20 semi-final and will not be taking their opponents lightly, despite them playing in the division below.

He said: “We are looking forward to a big game with a chance of a final at Hove.

“We’re certainly not underestimating Middleton. If we don’t turn up and play our best, we will be in trouble.

“Both ourselves and Horsham have very difficult games to get through first, so we will not even think about playing Horsham.”

Both Roffey and Horsham go into their game in good form, having recorded victories last weekend against Hastings and Preston Nomads respectively.

Horsham skipper James Johnson said: “It’s a nice draw at home to Brighton, who we owe for the other weekend in a game we should never have lost down at their place.

“We have an opportunity to put that right. It would be good to win and get to the final and hopefully the second team can do the same as it would be nice to have both sides down at Hove for the final.

“What makes local cricket good is there are two sides playing so close together in the same town. It’s a good prospect to have both able to meet in the final, it’s what cricket is all about.

“It would be an exciting final if we both got there, but first things first.”

Davies expects his side to be at full strength, while Horsham will wait on the availability of Jofra Archer, who has become part of the Sussex side in recent weeks.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!