Sussex Slam success for Crawley Eagles, Three Bridges fall foul of the weather

Three Bridges CC’s home game against Cuckfield CC in the Premier Division was abandoned on Saturday after torrential rain.
By Matt Pole
Published 4th Aug 2021, 14:57 BST
Updated 4th Aug 2021, 14:58 BST
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Cuckfield, electing to bat after winning the toss, were guided to 295-3 off 58 overs after two superb batting performances.

Nipun Karunanayake blasted an unbeaten 121 while Ollie Graham dazzled with a swashbuckling 102 off 97 balls.

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The destructive duo put on a masterful 201-run partnership for the third-wicket before Ollie Blandford (1-73) bowled Graham.

Crawley Eagles CC celebrate winning the Sussex Slam’s Gullick Cup at Horsham on SundayCrawley Eagles CC celebrate winning the Sussex Slam’s Gullick Cup at Horsham on Sunday
Crawley Eagles CC celebrate winning the Sussex Slam’s Gullick Cup at Horsham on Sunday

The Bridges reply saw Conor Golding (three) taken early off the bowling of Will Rogers (1-5).

But with the score at 8-1, and Milo Price (one*) and Will O’Donnell (three*) at the crease, the heavens opened, and the game was abandoned.

Three Bridges remain third in the Premier Division, five points off second-placed East Grinstead CC, and 40 adrift of leaders Preston Nomads CC, who Bridges host this Saturday.

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Crawley Eagles CC’s game at home to Glynde & Beddingham CC in Division 3 East also fell foul of the weather.

Khalid Javed crashed 140 not out off 79 balls for Ifield CC 4th XI against Warnham CCKhalid Javed crashed 140 not out off 79 balls for Ifield CC 4th XI against Warnham CC
Khalid Javed crashed 140 not out off 79 balls for Ifield CC 4th XI against Warnham CC

But the Eagles tasted success in the Sussex Slam’s Gullick Cup final at Horsham CC’s Cricket Field Road on Sunday. Eagles beat a strong Slinfold CC Rams team to lift the trophy.

Slinfold won the toss and elected to bat. Martyn Hains top-scored with 21 as the Rams were bowled out for 115 in 20 overs.

Ali Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 3-21 off his four overs.

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In reply Asif Shad (50*) helped Eagles to get to the target in 17 overs and claim the win.

The Eagles will now travel to Hove later this month for the Sussex Slam men’s Plate North Regions semi-finals.

Crawley Eagles travel to bottom-of-the-table Brighton & Hove CC 2nd XI this Saturday in the league.

Elsewhere in Division 3 East, Ifield CC fell to a five-wicket defeat away at Bexhill CC.

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The hosts won the toss and elected to field. Mahad Ahmed (63) starred with the bat as Ifield finished 174-7 off their allotted 45 overs.

But Thomas Naish’s 61 helped Bexhill reach 176-5 in 41.1 overs and secure the victory.

Ifield will look to return to winning ways at home to third-from-bottom Seaford CC this weekend.

Meanwhile, in Division 11 West (North), Khalid Javed bludgeoned an unbeaten 140 off 79 balls for Ifield CC 4th XI at Warnham CC.