Littlehampton enjoy derby win at Arundel

Chris Heberlein (pictured) hit 68 in Littlehamptons win at Arundel on Saturday

Littlehampton need just one point from their final game of the season – at home to Felbridge & Sunnyside on Saturday – and they could still finish as high as second if results go their way this weekend.

After winning the toss, Littlehampton opted to bowl first and second-placed Arundel, who were playing their last game of the season, made a strong start as Joel Crook and Joe Bain put on 59 for the opening wicket.

Bain was bowled by Ryan Budd for 38, before Crook added 66 for the second wicket with Lloyd Rowlatt. Crook was out lbw to Budd for 51, after hitting nine fours from 88 balls, before Rowlatt became Budd’s third victim, for 33, with the score on 132.

Budd took another two wickets to finish with 5-33 from 15 overs, while Samuel Theodoridi struck 20 not out as Arundel finished their 49 overs on 178-7.

Littlehampton made an excellent start to their reply as Chris Heberlein and Guy Souch shared a 126-run opening stand.

Heberlein was first to fall, for 68 from 62 balls, after hitting nine fours and Souch fell 11 runs later, for 57 after striking 11 fours off 76 deliveries.

Littlehampton fell to 155-6 before Michael Askew (20 not out) and captain Dan Rive (11 not out) put on 27 for the seventh wicket to see their side to victory.

Theodoridi picked up 3-30 from five overs for Arundel and Michael Shoulders claimed 3-33 from 7.4 overs.

Littlehampton captain Dan Rive said: “It was a really good win and, mathematically, we need one point to stay up while we could also still finish second, depending on how results go.

“It’s been a strange season and we could still go down or finish second going into the last game.

“Ryan bowled extremely well and it was the best anyone has bowled for us this year.

“We were happy to be chasing 178 and it was always a gettable total.”

n Littlehampton are in action in the Sunday T20 Finals Day at Preston Nomads on September 7.

Littlehampton meet Brighton & Hove 3rd in the semi-finals (11.30am), while Southwater play Ram (11.30am), before the winners meet in the final later in the day.