Rye well clear despite derby draw

Ryan Dowdeswell bowls for Iden watched by Rye batsman James Hamilton

Although the draw meant Rye’s six-match winning run came to an end, they enjoy a 37-point lead at the top of East Sussex Cricket League Division One. Iden, on the other hand, are still searching for their first victory.

Rye won the toss and elected to bat. Sandun Dias and James Hamilton (14) made a positive start before the latter fell on 38. Mark Cook helped Dias move Rye along to 78 before he too fell to Mark Kitching (2-55).

Dias then began to accelerate, forcing the visitors to post sentries on most parts of the boundary as he struck an impressive 81 containing 12 fours. Ably supported by Jackson Woodcock (31), the pair amassed a 68-run partnership before departing in quick succession to leave Rye 138-4.

Will Wheeler (17 not out) and Alfie Weller (46 not out) completed the job for Rye, sharing a 73-run partnership which took them to 210-4 declared in 48 overs. Pick of the Iden bowlers were Ryan Dowdeswell(2-36) and Kitching (2-55).

After tea, Iden played with little discomfort on a pitch offering barely any assistance to the bowlers. Michael White (38) and David White (48), supported by Phil Shanks (29), took the away side to 101-2.

Once David White fell to Dias, the Iden innings petered out and lost momentum. Rye picked up valuable points as Iden finished on 173-7 off 45 overs and Harry Smeed maintained his good form with 4-36.