Horsham are everyone’s favourites for an immediate return to the Premier Division, especially with their array of established ex-professionals. Despite the overcast weather and early rain the match started on time with Lindfield winning the toss and deciding to bat. A solid platform was provided by Charlie Weir (13) and Harry Chaudhary (23) with an opening stand of 35. However, this soon turned to 46-3 before a captain's innings by Simon Shivnarain (56) strengthened Lindfield’s position to 143-5. Unfortunately, in the quest to accelerate the run rate, wickets started to fall with the innings closing on 158-8 in their 45 overs. Ben Williams (3-24) was the pick of the home side's bowlers. Not being too downhearted with a total which was perhaps 40 runs short of a competitive total, Lindfield’s young opening bowlers showed great maturity in using the overcast conditions to their advantage. Horsham soon found themselves 33-3 and nearly lost their star player Chris Nash first ball on a hat-trick. In particular, 16-year-old bowler Jayson Butler (4-25) caused the opening batsman all sorts of problems. However, Nash (42) and captain Michael Thornley (63*) steadied the ship to ensure a five-wicket win with eight overs remaining. Whilst disappointing to lose their opening league game of the season, Lindfield were competitive throughout the match and can take great heart from their overall performance. This week Lindfield are at home to Chichester Priory Park CC with the match on the Common starting at 12.30pm. LINDFIELD CC 2ND XI Lindfield CC 2nd XI's game on the Common against Poyning CC in Division 6 Central was called off due to the overnight rain. This week they play away to Dormansland CC. LINDFIELD CC 3RD XI Lindfield CC 3rd XI played at Scaynes Hill CC 2nd XI and opened their Division 9 Central campaign with a fine three-wicket win. Lindfield’s new captain Scott Clark had no hesitation fielding first after winning the toss. Ed Newey vindicated the skipper's decision by producing a devastating opening spell, taking 4-30 from his nine overs, and was well supported by debutant Matthew Edwards (3-31) and Joe Barnett (1-27). Scaynes Hill's lower order frustrated Lindfield as Rob Littlejohns hit a fine 59 and well supported by Samuel Parker (27). Their final score of 158-8 was always going to be a useful total. Despite the early loss of a wicket, Lindfield’s innings was glued together with an excellent 77* from Adrian Whear. Edwards (21) and Barnaby Grout (19) supported Whear and despite the loss of a few late wickets Lindfield won comfortably. James Western (3-27) was the pick of the bowlers for Scaynes Hill. This weekend Lindfield are home to Brunswick Village CC with the match at Hickmans Lane starting at 1pm. LINDFIELD CC 4TH XI Lindfield CC 4th XI also opened the season with an emphatic 187-run win against Hurstpierpoint CC 3rd XI in Division 12 Central (North). Lindfield batted first and scored 269-7 from their 40 overs. Opening batsman Dan Baker (46) and Matthew Hay (142*) with his maiden Lindfield century dominated the innings with some powerful hitting. They were ably supported by youngsters Bradley Bover (15) and Max Ward (ten). Harry Hawthorne with 4-44 was the pick of the visitor's bowers. In reply, Hurtspierpoint 3rd XI struggled to keep up with the run rate against tight bowling from Charlie Pugh (2-7), James Campbell (2-19), Peter Booth (2-12) and Jake Macmahon (2-24). Lindfield are away to Burgess Hill CC 4th XI at Whitemans Green with the match starting at 1pm.
