Littlehampton snatch victory at Felbridge

The win kept Littlehampton right in the hunt for the West Sussex Invitation League title and promotion into the Sussex League as they moved up a place to second, 14 points behind leaders West Chiltington.

Arundel dropped to third after a nine-run loss to Pulborough and are four points behind Littlehampton. Felbridge are now 37 points off the top.

Chasing 136 to win, Littlehampton fell to 81-8 and 108-9 but they were guided to victory by an unbeaten 72 from Mike Askew, who shared crucial stands with Andy Greig, who was out for a 26-ball duck and Ryan Budd, who finished two not out from 22 deliveries and hit the winning runs.

After winning the toss, Littlehampton elected to bowl and Budd led the way with 5-59 from 15 overs as the hosts were all out for 135 in 38.2 overs. Jordan Farrell picked up 3-27 off 6.2 overs and Chris Heberlein claimed 2-39 off 15 overs.

Aaron Willsher top-scored with 24 for Felbridge and Chirag Chauhan hit 23.

Littlehampton then reached their target in 49 overs as Askew struck 72 not out, with six fours and five sixes from 115 balls, with Rhodri Lewis picking up 4-39 for Felbridge.

Littlehampton’s James Askew said: “We bowled really well but we then fell apart in our innings and were 81-8 but my brother saved us.

“It was a good innings from Andy Greig, who batted around 30 balls for a duck and Ryan as well but Mike batted superbly to see us home.

“It was a very tight game and the title race is going down to the wire.

“Arundel and West Chiltington play each other on Saturday and I don’t think it really matters what happens in that game.

“All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and if we win our last two games, we go up. That’s all we are concerned about.

“As long as we win on Saturday, we’ll go into the final game with a chance of going up.”

Leaders West Chiltington travel to Arundel on Saturday, before they host Littlehampton in their final game.

Littlehampton entertain Pulborough on Saturday.

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