RAMBLERS DENIED BY LAST PAIR

LITTLE COMMON RAMBLERS 154 (13pts)

PETT 115-9 (10pts)

LITTLE Common Ramblers just missed out on victory in a low-scoring East Sussex Division Three match against Pett at the Recreation Ground.

Batting first on a damp wicket which assisted the seam bowlers, Ramblers lost Ian Meredith early on, but a determined knock from Ally Burnett (70) held the innings together. The only other batsmen to reach double figures were Peter Winchester (22), Ivan Pocock (20) and Ben Linklater (13) as Ramblers were bowled out for 154 in 44 overs which gave Pett, as it turned out, 44 overs to make their reply.

Pett started well but opening bowlers Horne and Wisden managed to dismiss both openers. It was the introduction of second change bowler Russell Eldridge that turned the game for Ramblers. Coming in from the top end, Eldridge (7-38) bowled very straight and maintained a good length, letting the ball move off the wicket. Pett had no answer and with the other end being tied up by Keith Baldwin the run rate increased. Wickets fell gradually and when Hambridge (20) was caught by skipper Andy Meredith, Ramblers had four overs to dislodge the final pair. Despite some near misses they were unable to separate them and Pett held out for a draw.

Andy Meredith said: "It was disappointing not to beat Pett, they are not one of the strongest teams in the division and we really need to beat teams like them to ensure a decent position in the league. However, the fielding and bowling was good and Russell Eldridge bowled tremendously in his first game of the season. The batting could be improved but Ally Burnett applied himself to the job and to score 70 on a damp wicket was a good achievement."

Ramblers are at home again tomorrow (Saturday) when Glynde visit. Ricky Horne and Ally Burnett are unavailable, but this is offset by the return of Richard Melbourne, J. Rahmani and possibly Andy Pooley.