CRICKET: Local round-up (September 2)
GORING Cricket Club need just 10 points from their final match of the season on Saturday to seal promotion into Division 2 of the Sussex League.
A 30-point victory, owing to an eight-wicket win over Henfield on Saturday, has left them top of Division 3 West, with just Slinfold to play – at home on Saturday.
Pagham are currently 21 points behind in second, and Middleton 24 points adrift in third, so both sides will need to score well if Goring fail to make 10 points.
Goring skipper Dan Pittham said: "We are trying not to go into it in that frame of mind (just needing 10 points).
"We will be going out to win as with every game, although it was nice on Saturday to get the win so we don't head into this weekend needing a victory.
"It'll be nice to try to get the points wrapped up by the tea break so the celebrations can begin."
On Saturday, Ross Brown stole the show for Goring as he ripped through Henfield's batting line-up to claim 8-26.
Having won the toss and batted, Henfield's Graham Fuller (32) and Richard Dale (11) were their only two batsmen to make double figures, as they collapsed to 68 all out.
Pittham then led the way with the bat and struck 38 not out as Goring comfortably won.
Pittham said: "It was a good day and just a very good team performance. We bowled well, fielded well, and those that batted, batted well.
"It was a bit of a weird decision from them as I lost the toss and I thought they'd put us in, but they didn't and we made the most of it.
"Ross bowled really well. It's not often your opening bowler takes 8-26 in 16 overs."
Worthing's hopes of promotion from Division 2 were ended when their game with fellow promotion chasers Pulborough was called off.
The heavy rain last week meant Worthing Borough Council called off all the games in the Worthing area and Worthing skipper Dominic Clapp had no complaints about the decision.
Both Worthing and Pulborough took 10 points from the game and Clapp said: "The games were all cancelled on Friday morning as the wickets couldn't be prepared and our pitch was like a mud bath.
"It was definitely the right decision to call it off. It's very disappointing and disappointing for Pulborough as well, as they could have secured promotion but it's just one of those things.
"There's nothing we could have done about it but we've still got a chance of finishing third."
Worthing host Lewes in their final game of the season on Saturday.
Findon captain Barry Meaney reserved special praise for his side's younger players after they picked up what he described as an important win over Arundel in Division 3 West.
Bradley Bridson (77) continued his fine form with the bat, as Felix Jordan (64) was also in the runs in their 26-run win.
The victory seals a third-from-bottom finish for Findon, ahead of their last game with bottom-club Henfield on Saturday.
Meaney said: "Bradley did well again and he's pushing 300 runs from his last three innings. Felix has been outstanding this season as well and I think before the game he was in the division's top three run makers.
"We're a young side, and both of those guys are just 19, and to have two batsmen in the top five standings is just excellent.
"The bowling started well and we held our catches, which is something we haven't been doing.
"The wickets were shared fairly evenly, in a good all-round performance, but Harry (Metters) did really well with a good spell.
"It's just good to get another win under our belts, and if we do again next week that is six wins and three draws, which isn't a bad return."
A number of Arundel's batsmen made starts but none could push on as wickets fell at regular intervals and, chasing 220 to win, they finished 193 all out. Harry Metters led the attack with 4-63.
Meaney said: "They seemed quite a good side and I'm suprised they are where they are in the league. It was a funny wicket, and difficult to call due to all the rain we've had. But as we have been doing well with the bat in recent weeks, we decided to bat first and it worked for us."
In the West Sussex Invitation League, Division 3 champions Chippingdale's game with Barns Green was also called off, as was Lancing Manor's match at Division 4 champions Worthing 3rd in Division 4.
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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