Scaynes Hill - 164 all out 48 overs

East Preston 168 for 3 in 30 overs

There was no chance of a repeat of last weeks wash out as the weather was set fair and summer had finally arrived for this crucial game against Scaynes Hill. Preparation had not been good with it being a struggle to get a team out with 15 playing members being unavailable and the 2's game had to be called off.

The EP skipper was not quite happy to lose the toss and Scaynes Hill decided to bat first.

Steve Laker and Darryl opened the bowling and you could tell very early on that the wicket looked good to bat on and the runs were flowing.Steve was unlucky not to pick up the opener who was dropped at 1st slip but the runs were now causing EP some concerns with 60 up in just 10 overs.The skipper decided to try to stem the flow of runs by introducing the spin twins who immediately settled into a good rhythm and bowled well. Miggins soon picked up the wicket of the dangerous Nick Wright and wickets continued to flow at a regular rate as batting now looked a lot harder against spin. PP and Miggins both bowled well with god control and variation, life was now tough for the batters and a score of around 170 now looked the best they could hope for. PP finished off the innings bowling the 8 year old in the 48th over! It was great bowling by Miggins and PP who both deserved their 5 wickets each. EP had fielded well in the heat and stuck to their task well remaining focussed until the end of the innings, a score of under 200 was very gettable.

With Sean away, Sam was promoted to the role of opener with PP. The pair started well and ensured they got themselves in first before playing any expansive shots. The Scaynes Hill opening bowlers struggled for consistency and runs soon started to flow. 70 was on the board in just 11 overs and the great start had settled the EP players nerves. The visitors soon opted for spin but they didn't bowl as well as the EP spin twins and the runs were flowing with PP hitting some excellent boundaries despite suffering from cramp. Unfortunately PP was out caught in the deep soon after his 50 but Sam was batting well and had taken over the role of the senior batter looking to get EP home. EP were all but home when Colin and then Andy were both out (although Andy hit the ball he was adjudged lbw by the Scaynes Hill umpire). Sam hit the winning runs to end up 71 not out which was a classy knock. EP had picked up 30 points and more importantly widened the gap over their visitors to 28 points.

EP are now up to 4th and looking like they will play in the new division one next year.

A big thank you to all of the team, great team spirit and plenty of fight.

Man of the match - PP