Priory get late season lift

Priory pulled off a very good 70-run victory at home to Cuckfield on Saturday, which has raised spirits going into the final three games of the Sussex Premier League campaign.

Gillespie said: “It was a really, really good win. I think it just reflects what we’re capable of, and what we could’ve and should’ve done earlier.

“It’s a great lift. There’s a sense of relief and looking to next season getting a few wins under our belt and a few players doing well will build confidence for what’s to come.”

Priory remain bottom of the table and 65 points adrift of a Cuckfield side which occupies the final safe spot of third-bottom, although they are now within 16 points of second-bottom Three Bridges.

“There’s no question we’re very much up against it and it will take a small miracle for us to recue ourselves,” Gillespie continued. “It’s still possible, but if we’re going to have any chance at all, we’re going to have to win all four and hope that either Cuckfield or Bexhill have some pretty desperate results along the way.”

Priory will host third-placed East Grinstead - who still have a chance of winning the title - tomorrow (Saturday) before rounding-off the summer with local derbies away to Eastbourne next weekend and at home to Bexhill on Saturday September 6.

“Every game we’ll look to get the best result we possibly can and we’ll be going out to win the final three,” Gillespie went on. “East Grinstead are going to be very strong. They’re going to play positively and hopefully play to win the game so we’ll see how we measure up to that task.”

Priory were edged out by one wicket in the reverse fixture against Grinstead, but did beat the same opponents in an equally close ECB Royal London Club Championship tie. Priory could well be unchanged for a match which will get underway from 12noon at Horntye Park.