East Grinstead seamer Hatchett does the damage against Worthing

After East Grinstead had posted 245-8 thanks to an all-round contribution, the Sussex bowler finished with a stunning 9-17 as he virtually single-handedly ripped through the Worthing line-up to seal a 188-run victory for his side.

The visitors were all out for 57 as Benn Challen (20) and John Glover (11) were the only two batsmen to make double figures.

The result leaves Worthing just eight points and one place above the relegation zone.

Captain-for-the-day Andy Lutwyche said: “I lost the toss and they decided to bat, 245-8 wasn’t bad, considering they were 49-1 off seven.

“We clawed it back thanks to Benn Challen and Mason Crane who did well with the ball. We did better than we thought as, at one stage, we were staring down the barrel of 300-plus, but it was always going to be tough to get something out of it.

“Lewis Hatchett was then the difference, he was pretty much unplayable.

“We’re looking over our shoulders a little bit now, especially as Eastbourne have got two ex-Test players in Alan Wells and Mohammad Akram who are playing for them.

“They can call on someone like Alan, who played for them for years, and now they’ve suddenly got Mohammad Akram in as well.

“We’re in a little mini league down there and we just need to keep picking up points, eight this week despite losing is good, as it’s what we did at the end of last year and it worked for us.”

After the home side raced away at the start, it was Crane (4-84) and Challen (2-42) that took the wickets.

James Adkin top-scored with 38, Phil Norman made 31 not out and Dan Hopkins, Danny Irvine and Nathan Baily all added 25.

In reply, Worthing just could not get going and Hatchett clean bowled seven of his nine victims.

Worthing host Brighton, who sit one place above them, on Saturday.