Mitchell’s the star in Clymping’s derby win

Littlehampton captain Dan Rive said his side’s batting “failed miserably” and, although Clymping remain bottom of the West Sussex Invitation League Division 1 table, they are now just 20 points behind Littlehampton, who are third from botom and nervously looking over their shoulders.

Littlehampton were put into bat after losing the toss and were dismissed for 122 in 40.1 overs.

Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout their innings as the 30-run stand for the second wicket between Michael Askew (31) and Guy Souch (12) was the best of their innings.

George Perry top-scored with 35, while contributions down the order came from Ryan Budd, with 18, and Rive, with 12.

Mitchell took 5-37 from 15 overs, while Craig Edwards took 3-32 from 14 overs and Richard Waddington picked up 2-17.

A number of contributions came throughout Clymping’s reply as they reached their target after 35.2 overs.

The hosts fell to 77-6, before Mitchell hit 23 not out and captain James Salisbury struck 21 not out to take Clymping to victory.

Salisbury said: “It was great to notch up a victory on Saturday, especially as it has been a while.

“Rory bowled well to get five wickets and to restrict them to 122 all out was a great effort by all the bowlers.

“Low scores can sometimes be tricky chases, especially as our batting has been a little suspect recently and, at 77-6, it really could have gone either way.

“Luckily, Rory and I saw us home to victory for a nice local derby win.”

Rive said: “Our batting failed miserably and our fielding wasn’t much better as we dropped six catches.

“If we’d scored another 50-or-so runs and got up to 160 or 170, that would have probably been enough. But to try to defend 120, you’ve got to bowl extremely well.

“All it takes is a few partnerships and you’ve reached the target and that’s what happened.

“Rory Mitchell bowled straight and the ball moved around a bit. He wasn’t unplayable but he did bowl well. We chipped away at them but we were never in control of the game.

“We’ve got to try to pick up some wins now and play well in all three areas – with bat, ball and in the field.”

Clymping travel to Arundel on Saturday, while Littlehampton entertain West Chiltington.