Match Reports 2005

Eastbourne Cricket Club

Match Reports 2005

'Bourne finish third (03/09/05)

Eastbourne 240 all out (Sean Heather 86, Ollie Rayner 39, Ben Brown 34)

Brighton 125 all out (Ollie Rayner 4 for 49)

Eastbourne have finished third in the table after a comprehensive 115 run victory at Brighton and Hove on Saturday.

Batting first the visitors made 240 all out of which Sean Heather hit 86, Ollie Rayner 39 and Ben Brown 34.

For Brighton Patrick Spencer took 3 for 54 and there were two wickets each for Paul Wilson, Matt Wood and Andy Cornford. The home side then struggled to 25 for 4 before being dismissed for 125 as Rayner took 4 for 49 and there were two wickets for Stuart Collier, Jon Lord and Stephen George.

After being in the relegation zone last before last weekend, EB have shot up the table with their three wins out of three into third spot, showing how tight the league was in 2005. Littlehampton and Steyning were both relegated.

EB safe (28/08/05)

Eastbourne 233 for 9 (Ollie Rayner 55, Martyn Garnett 37)

Sussex Academy 60 all out (Stuart Collier 6 for 29, Ollie Rayner 3 for 26)

A comprehensive 173 run win over a much weakened Sussex Academy finally assured ECC of their survival form the dreaded drop. The Academy put EB into bat and could only watch on as the home side achieved maximum batting points along the way to compiling 233 for 9 from 58 overs. Ollie Rayner, batting at 6 blazed 55 from 48 balls and was also helped by a great cameo from Martyn Garnett who weighed in with 37 from 29 deliveries. Darren Cumming made a patient 28, but did a good job. Mark Tomsett also hit 28 at the top of the order.

A shocking start from the Academy and a super effort from Stuart Collier (right) with the ball reduced the Sussex youngsters to a lowly 6 for 6! Collier ran riot, after having a disappointing season in the wicket department he made amends here, huge time! He bowled 15 overs from the seas end and took an EB best 6 for 29, setting EB up for an easy win. Surprise opening bowler Ollie Rayner took three wickets with his spin, and Tom Smith finished the job off with a very creditable 2 for 1!

The 30 points meant EB could breathe easy for the final week of the season at Brighton with safety assured.

Horsham humbled (27/08/05)

Horsham 171 all out (Ollie Rayner 4 for 45, Chad Chisholm 2 for 19)

Eastbourne 172 for 7 (Sean Heather 33, Mark Tomsett 28)

ECC put in a top fielding performance to dismiss their hosts Horsham for 171. Ollie Rayner took 4 for 45 in yet another great spell of spin bowling. Chad Chisholm, who came in the side at the 11th hour, took 2 for 19. There were also wickets for Tom Smith. Number 7, Mark Nash proved a thorn in EBs side with a quickfire 45.

The 'bourne did it the hard way. Sean Heather (33), Mark Tomsett (28), Jack Hepburn (21) all got starts but failed to go on. Wickets then came at fairly regular intervals, but Martyn Garnett chipped in with 17 and Ollie Rayner (25 off 20) to ease the pressure. It was down to the skipper Jon Lord to hit the winning runs as EB reached their target in a whopping 61 overs. A even bigger win in terms of the circumstances for Premier League survival.

Agonising defeat (21/08/05)

Brighton 139 all out (Sean Heather 4 for 45, Jon Lord 4 for 64)

Eastbourne 133 all out (Ollie Rayner 30)

ECC slipped into the bottom two of the Sussex Premier League after they lost by an agonising 6 runs at home to Brighton. Having dismissed their visitors, who chose to bat, for just 139, EB were later dismissed for 133. Skipper Jon Lord and county pro Sean Heather (right) each took four wickets and were the stars with the ball for the 'bourne. However, the small target proved too much against the pace of former Australian international Paul Wilson. He took 6 for 22 on a seamer friendly pitch which had plenty of moisture in it. Ollie Rayner weighed in with 30; Martyn Garnett and Stephen George both made 20s, but it none of the top order performed yet again.

With just three games to go its looking very tight at the bottom. EB play away at Horsham and Brighton, with the re-arranged Sussex Academy match sandwiched in between. It will no doubt go down to the last game of the season. Watch this space!

Rain intervenes at Nomads (14/08/05)

An interestingly poised at Preston Nomads was ruined by the rain as ECC went in search of much needed points to avoid the drop. Nomads made 198 for 8 from their 58 overs. Ollie Rayner picked up 3 for 44 but the heavens opened during the tea interval and that was the end of play. 8 points each.

EBs match against the Academy is looking very much like the game that will decided their fate. Although it will probably go down to the wire at Brighton on the last day of the season.

Misery at Littlehampton (07/08/05)

Eastbourne 145 all out (Ollie Rayner 30)

Littlehampton 146 for 4

ECCs hit or miss season continued at Littlehampton on Saturday as thy lost by 6 wickets in a one sided match. EB started brightly with the bat. Jack Hepburn (19) and Mark Tomsett (24) putting on 57 for the first wicket. Then the 'bourne dropped like flies, stumbling to 91 for 7. Ollie Rayner made 30 and Tom Smith 24, but EB could only muster 145 all out.

There were no alarms as far as Littlehampton were concerned in knocking off the tota set. They reached their target with over 20 overs to spare. Tom Smith did chip in with two wickets but the dismal performance with the bat made the task that much more harder. A day to forget indeed.

Cup dream over (31/07/05)

Eastbourne 170 for 9 (Jack Hepburn 28*, Mark Tomsett 27)

Preston Nomads 171 for 7 (Tom Smith 3 for 34)

ECC put up a brave fight as they were knocked out at the semi final stage of the Sussex League Cup. Nomads stuck EB in and it paid dividends as the home side struggled with the bat. Only Mark Tomsett (27), Ollie Rayner (21) and Ben Brown (24) made any headway as EB stumbled to 125 for 9. However, an unbroken last wicket stand of 45 between Jack Hepburn (28*) and Chad Chisholm (11*), EB brought a bit of respectability about their total as they made 170 for 9 from their alloted 45 overs.

It was Chisholm who struck twice early on with the ball including the prize wicket of Joe Gatting. But at 111 for 2, Nomads looked as if they were cruising. Wickets from Tom Smith (3 for 34) and Stephen George (2 for 19) started an EB revival. The main run getters Kashif Ibrahim (30) and Hugo Shephard (39) were gone. But a quickfire 10 not out from M. Greene ensured Nomads final place, reaching their 171 target for 7 wickets. Eastbourne's task was made much harder by conceding 48 extras, mainly no balls and wides, a big factor in the result.

Exciting match ends in farce (30/07/05)

East Grinstead 185 for 9 (Jack Hepburn 3 for 24)

Eastbourne 183 for 9 (Simon Cane-Hardy 47, Stephen George 44, Martyn Garnett 28)

ECC home match with East Grinstead was overshadowed by several pieces of un-spirited cricket in what would have brought a really exciting finale.

The match for the record officially ended as a draw. But at the close of play the match was a 'tie'. Because of a controversial dismissal early in the last over of the match (EBs Chad Chisholm presumed the ball was 'dead' once it had run through to the Grinstead keeper, however the bails were whipped off and he was out), skippers Jon Lord and Neil Turk that because of the dispute a result could be manufactured so the game could end in a tie and either team could achieve more points. This brought farcical scenes as EB ran four off the 'last' ball when the ball hadn't even left the square. Spectators were absolutely baffled by what was going on as the Grinstead fielder just stood over the ball as the pair of Tom Smith and Jon Lord completed all four runs and equally the 185 that Grinstead had posted earlier in the day. However, in amongst all the confusion there was actually one ball remaining! After the game there was some discussion amongst umpires, players and coaches to what the actual result of the match was. The umpires only said one run was scored of the 'last' ball and time was called, so the four that EB ran was ruled out.

All in all, a huge fiasco that brought farcical scenes to the game and the quicker its forgotten the better.

For the record, East Grinstead made 185 for 9 from their 58 overs. Jack Hepburn hitting a purple patch with the ball, with figures of 3 for 24 from 12 overs. There were three run outs and also two wickets for skipper, Jon Lord. EB were 30 for 3, Tomsett, Heather and Brown all going cheaply. Martyn Garnett (28) continued his good form in a good stand with the cool head of Simon Cane-Hardy. Ollie Rayner came and went as Stephen George (above right) came to the crease and upped the tempo. Cane-Hardy was then out caught behind for a marvellous 47. George continued to club it as victory looked in sight, but he fell for a quick fire 44. Six runs were then needed from the final over then cue the scenes mentioned earlier.

EB through to Semis (24/07/05)

Chichester 124 all out (Chad Chisholm 3 for 26, Jack Hepburn 3 for 31)

Eastbourne 125 for 2 (Mark Tomsett 51 not out)

ECC are through to the semi finals of the Sussex League Cup after a convincing 8 wicket win at Chichester. EB, being skippered for the first time by Martyn Garnett (right), skittled their hosts for just 124 in a rain effected 35 overs a side match. There were three wickets for the recalled Jack Hepburn and Chad Chisholm, while the other wickets were shared. EB then made light work of the run chase, Mark Tomsett led from the top of the order with 51 not out. Simon Cane-Hardy and Stephen George also had a cameo each to book next Sunday's (31/07/05) semi final place against Preston Nomads at the Saffrons.

Ton for Tiny Tim in Win Tim Ambrose (23/07/05)

Steyning 250 for 7 dec.

Eastbourne 252 for 6 (Tim Ambrose 104, Martyn Garnett 62, Ollie Rayner 37 not out)

A superb 104 from EBs Tim Ambrose (right) made it two wins in as many weeks as the 'bourne eased any relegation worries with a 4 wicket win at Steyning. Steyning batted first and EB found wickets hard to come by through the innings. Ollie Rayner picked up 2 for 64 from a mammoth 22 overs of his spin. There were also two wickets for Sean Heather. Steyning's key man Jeremy Green was a thorn in EBs side as he made 57 along with Jib Khan (61), the hosts then declaring on 250 for 7.

It was then the Ambrose show. Having had a difficult season so far at Sussex, Tiny Tim rose to the challenge. He had very good support from the in form Martyn Garnett who hit 62. 'Monkey' looks like he has finally worked out a game plan for batting at this level. Ambrose was out shortly after reaching three figures for a magnificent 104. Ollie Rayner weighed in with 37 not out at the end as EB notched up their fourth league win of the season.

Crucial win for the 'bourne (16/07/05)

Eastbourne 219 for 9 (Simon Cane-Hardy 64 not out, Stuart Collier 45, Martyn Garnett 35)

Hastings 94 all out (Tom Smith 6 for 29, Chad Chisholm 3 for 21)

ECC chalked up only their third league win of the season, as they beat lowly neighbours Hastings by 124 runs at the Saffrons. EB batted first and got off to a terrible start. Wickets fell regularly, only Ben Brown (23) and Martyn Garnett (35) made any headway as the 'bourne were in deep trouble at 108 for 8. However, number 8, Simon Cane-Hardy (64 not out) rescued the home side along with Stuart Collier (45). The pair put on over a hundred for the 9th wicket, a record for recent times, as Eastbourne brought some respectability about the total. Cane-Hardy (right) and Collier digging EB out of a massive hole to post 219 for 7.

There was even more heroics in the field. Debutant Chad Chisholm took a hat trick with the ball as Hastings crumbled. Tom Smith was introduced into the attack and it was he who done all the damage with the ball. 'Smithers' took a EB career best of 6 for 29 as rock bottom Hastings were skittled for 94 and suffered more misery in their season.

A much needed win for Jon Lord's side, the looming pressure of the bottom two places has eased, and the 'bourne can go to Steyning next week full of confidence.

EB draw with leaders (09/07/05)

Chichester 240 for 7 dec (Ollie Rayner 5 for 81)

Eastbourne 208 for 9 (Jack Hepburn 63 not out, Martyn Garnett 54, Ollie Rayner 30)

ECC managed to hang on for a draw at home to runaway leaders Chichester on Saturday. The leaders were put in and made 240/ 7 dec. as David Leaver hit 51, Jack Hemmingway 48 and Craig Primmer 37 not out. The pick of the Eastbourne bowlers was Ollie Rayner, who bowled 20.2 overs and took 5 for 81.

After losing Sean Heather, Mark Tomsett and Stephen George cheaply, the duo of Jack Hepburn (right) and Martyn Garnett helped steady the ship. Both passing fifty, Garnett going for 54, his maiden first team fifty in his 60th innings. Hepburn continued his great vigil and super concentration as wickets fell around him. Eastbourne clung on for the draw with the score at 208/9 at the close. Hepburn finishing on 63 not out.

Its very tight down the bottom of the league, but EB have a priceless game in hand on the rest, which is against the Sussex Academy. Hastings at home next week in a '60 pointer'.

EB crush Brighton in Cup (03/07/05)

Brighton 142 all out (Ollie Rayner 3 for 20, Ragheb Aga 3 for 41)

Eastbourne 143 for 0 (Sean Heather 72 not out, Mark Tomsett 53 not out)

ECC progressed to the next round of the Sussex Cup as they crushed a depleted Brighton by 10 wickets at the Nevill Ground. Brighton only made 142 all out, the pick of the EB bowlers were Ollie Rayner (3 for 20) and Kenyan Ragheb Aga (3 for 41). Sean Heather (72 not out) and Mark Tomsett (53 not out) made light work of the run chase.

Eastbourne will now face Chichester away on the 24th July in the quarter finals.

Heather ton in draw at Bridges (02/07/05)

Three Bridges 250 for 6 (Sean Heather 4 for 57)

Eastbourne 222 for 7 (Sean Heather 135, Jack Hepburn 32)

A Sean Heather century was the highlight for ECC, as they had to settle for a draw for the second week in succession at Three Bridges. Bridges' posted 250 for 6 in their 58 overs after winning the toss. Former Sussex men Jerry Heath (70) and Mark Newell (47) led the way, whilst everyone else chipped in. Heather was the star of the ball for EB as he took 4 for 57 in 11 overs.

Mark Tomsett (11) went cheaply in the EB reply, but Jack Hepburn made steady progress with Heather. Hepburn eventually going for 32 from 80 balls. The equation for EB was 10 an over from the last 9 to achieve victory. Heather upped the tempo, completing his century in the progress as partners came and went. He was eventually out for a magnificent 135, as EB fell short and settle for the draw.

Horsham hold on for draw (25/06/05)

Eastbourne 207 for 8 (Sean Heather 40, Stephen George 30, Tom Smith 30)

Horsham 200 for 9 (Ollie Rayner 5 for 69 )

EB almost picked a precious win against in form side Horsham at the Saffrons. The visitors put EB into bat, with Mark Tomsett opening the batting with the make shift Jon Purdey. Tomsett made only 18, while Purdey fair a little better with 25. Ollie Rayner also got a start before he was harshly given out for a supposed lbw for 24. Stephen George once again got going but got caught for 30, leaving EB at 101 for 4. Sean Heather dropping down to number five kept the score ticking over with Tom Smith (30). Heather was later run out by Jack Hepburn in a bit of mix up for a valuable 40. Hepburn (23 not out) hit a couple of sixes at the end as the hosts made a very respectable 207 for 8 from their 58 overs.

Horsham lost Will Howard (1) very in the reply, he was cleaned up by the returning Stuart Collier. Off spinner Ollie Rayner opened the bowling and dismissed fellow opener Alan Law. Horsham big gun, Chris Nash carried on his good form with the bat as he and skipper Luke Marshall both passed fifties. With the score at 140 for 2 the run chase was looking a formality. However, Nash was out to Tom Smith for 66 and the game looked a tad different. Rayner then picked up another wicket and Marshall was run out for 60, EB were clawing the game back. Rayner's good spell was rewarded with more wickets and Collier also got another in his second spell, which left Horsham's tail-enders hanging on at the end for a draw.

EB beaten in thriller (11/06/05)

Preston Nomads 193 for 8 (Ollie Rayner 4 for 64, Tom Smith 2 for 36)

Eastbourne 188 all out (Tom Smith 37, Jack Hepburn 33)

ECC first home defeat of the season was inflicted by newly promoted Preston Nomads at the Saffrons on Saturday when they lost by just 5 runs in a knife edge of game.

EB asked Nomads to bat and skipper Jon Lord took an early wicket. However, the father/son partnership of Steve and Joe Gatting led to a big partnership. Steve getting bowled by Ollie Rayner for 29. Kashif Ibrahim then went in the same over LBW for 4. Joe Gatting after hitting plenty of boundaries in a short space of time was Rayner's next victim, caught at slip for a quality 69. Three more wickets then followed, two for Tom Smith (right), and Nomads were in disarray. From 115 for 1, they had slumped to 131 for 7. However a couple of useful partnerships towards the end meant after their allotted 58 overs, Nomads had reached 193 for 8.

Jon Purdey, back in the side, opened up with birthday boy Mark Tomsett, and it was the latter who went for 17. Rayner went for just 9, and Purdey then became Nick Hobbs' third victim as he went to a good catch for 13. Stephen George (14) played a disappointing shot to get out to Ibrahim and it left EB 68 for 4. A partnership of some was needed and thats exactly what they got from Jack Hepburn and Tom Smith. The run rate required was always below 4 an over and EB kept up with that. But Smith then went to a very good catch for 37, his knock putting the home sdie back in the hunt. However, Hepburn was then trapped LBW to Rigg for 33 very soon after. There was a cameo 14 from Martyn Garnett who was also out LBW, this time to Antiguan Carl Simon who also dismissed Darren Cumming and Richard Smith cheaply. EB needed 6 from the final over, but two balls in Luke Tomsett was adjudged to have been LBW trying to slog sweep, a slightly dubious decision resulting in a victory for Nomads.

EB have a week off next week and are back at home the week after against Horsham, which will be no easy game by any means.

Tomsett maiden ton in draw (04/06/05)

Eastbourne 269 for 4 (Mark Tomsett 110, Stephen George 68 not out, Ollie Rayner 31)

Littlehampton 221 for 9 (Ollie Rayner 3 for 37, Martyn Garnett 2 for 20)

ECC's 17 year old opening batsman, Mark Tomsett (right), registered his first league ton as EB were denied by victory against Littlehampton by one wicket at the Saffrons.

Eastbourne won the toss for a change an elected to bat. The out of sorts Sean Heather went cheaply by his standards for 22. Ollie Rayner then joined Tomsett at the crease and both looked in good touch. Rayner getting out just before drinks for 31. Stephen George then took over and he and Tomsett were piling on the agony for Littlehampton and it showed in their below par fielding performance. Tomsett completed his maiden league ton with a single to cover and was then out soon after for a brilliant 110. George then had a smash towards the end and finished on 68 not out as EB complied a huge 269 for 4 from just 48 overs.The pick of the Littlehampton bowlers was left-arm spinner Chris Hanks with 2 for 67.

The visitors never made an attempt to chase down the runs. Only South African Chris Cooke made any headway, hitting 72 not out. As EB tried all sorts of bowling options, including Martyn Garnett who picked up two wickets with his leg spin. Ollie Rayner (3 for 37) and Tom Smith (2 for 56) done alot of the work for EB but it wasn't quite enough as the fellow seaside town held on for an uninspiring draw.

Plenty of positives for the 'bourne, but chasing a total looks their best winning formula.

'Bourne suffer at Grinstead (28/05/05)

East Grinstead 255 for 6 dec (Jon Lord 3 for 72)

Eastbourne 135 all out (Richard Smith 42, Stephen George 31)

ECC suffered their second league defeat of the 2005 campaign as they went down by 120 runs at East Grinstead.

East Grinstead decided to bat after winning the toss and EB soon had them in trouble at 23 for 2, with Jon Lord and Jack Hepburn picking up a wicket each. County player Neil Turk (30) then steadied the ship for Grinstead before he tickled one down leg side caught behind off the bowling of Richard Smith (right). EB looked to have done a good job in the field, but the last 10 overs were a disaster as more than 70 runs were scored. Grinstead posting 255 for 6 from their 58 overs. Alan Tait (65) and Michael Phillips (59) putting EB to the sword.

Eastbourne never got going in pursuit of the 256 set for victory. the in form Mark Tomsett went for a duck. Fellow opener Sean Heather only made 12 before he was trapped lbw. The sorry state of the batting was that no other EB batsmen got into double figures apart from South African Stephen George (31). Once he was out the score was an embarrassing 61 for 9. However, 16 year old Luke Tomsett (18 not out) and number 11 Richard Smith (42) put on 64 for the last wicket and came within 3.4 overs of snatching an unlikely draw. The pair batted for nearly 20 overs but Smith was triggered out lbw as Grinstead claimed a maximum 30 points for the win. The pick of the home side's bowling was Paul Turk with 4 for 15.

This was without doubt EBs worst performance of the season. Consistency is looking like the big question mark and Littlehampton at home next week couldn't come quick enough to make amends for today's defeat.

EB crash out of National (22/05/05)

Bexley 183 all out (Jon Lord 4 for 36)

Eastbourne 158 all out (Mark Tomsett 68)

ECC are out of the 2005 Cockspur sponsored National Club Championship. They lost by 25 runs to Kent side Bexley at the Saffrons.

Bexley batted first and the in form skipper, Jon Lord (4 for 36) made early in roads by taking the first four wickets. No one made a big score for the visitors but everyone chipped in with 20s and 30s. Ollie Rayner picked up two wickets as Bexley made a par score of 183.

Mark Tomsett (68) continued his superb form with the bat. Number 3, Rayner made 24 as Eastbourne made good progress. However, it wasn't to be as Jack Hepburn (12) was the only other batter to reach double figures. Eastbourne all out for 158 and out of the National at the second hurdle.

Steyning crushed by EB (21/05/05)

Steyning 92 all out (Jon Lord 4 for 43)

Eastbourne 93 for 3 (Mark Tomsett 47*)

EB enjoyed a comprehensive seven wicket win at home against Steyning in their fourth league outing of the season.

Having won the toss and deciding to bat the choice looked a bad one as the new ball partnership of Jon Lord (right) and Jack Hepburn reduced the visitors to 12 for 2. Steyning never recovered. Skipper Jeremy Green was given out controversially for obstruction. The ball was heading for the stumps in a run out attempt but Green lunged for the ball in attempt to stop it hitting the stumps. Captain Lord tore through the heart of the batting recording sensational figures of 24-9-43-4. There were also two direct hit run outs from the Tomsett brothers and also a wicket each for Richard Smith and Tom Smith. Steyning could only muster 92 all out in 49.5 overs.

The heavens then opened for just over an hour but EB made light work of the small total set. Martyn Garnett (4) went early caught behind. While Ollie Rayner was run out for the same score. Opener Mark Tomsett continued his very impressive form with 47 not out as he guided the 'bourne to victory. The home side reaching their target in 21.5 overs.

A very well earned maximum 30 points for EB who face East Grinstead away next week.

EB win battle of Hastings (14/05/05)

Hastings 215 for 9 dec. (Jon Lord 4 for 69, Tom Smith 3 for 22)

Eastbourne 216 for 7 (Mark Tomsett 73, Stephen George 57)

ECC won for the first time this season as they overcame Hastings at Horntye Park.

Hastings chose to bat after winning the toss. Opener George Campbell led from the front with 63, while South African Rushdi Hendricks weighed in with 61 not out. EB done very well to contain the home side to 215 for 9 declared from their 58 overs, as at one point a big score looked very likely. Skipper, Jon Lord took 4 for 69 and 17 year old Tom Smith, 3 for 22 from 11 overs, were the men doing the damage.

Mark Tomsett (right) and Sean Heather put on 71 for the first wicket before the latter was caught behind for a patient 22. Ollie Rayner came and went cheaply. Stephen George joined Tomsett at the crease, who then came into his own. 'Tommo' hit 73, his highest league score for EB and put the visitors in with a shout. George carried on the good work, hitting vital boundaries. Ragheb Aga chipped in with 23 to help the cause. EB whittling away the victory target, as they required 5 form the kast over in whuich George was finally out for 57 and it was left to Richard Smith to hit the winning runs with a ball to spare and three wickets.

EB crash at Chichester (07/05/05)

Chichester 225 for 3 dec.

Eastbourne 204 all out (Sean Heather 81, Jack Hepburn 50)

ECC suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday, losing by 21 runs at Chichester. Heather - 85

The home side won the toss and batted, and from very early on it looked as if EB could be in for a long afternoon. Many of the EB bowlers couldn't find the right length and the bad balls were dispatched to the boundary with ease. Openers Danny Oliver (30) and mainly, Mark Bamford (135 not out) were the main contributors to the home sides total of 225 for 3 in 56 overs. There was a wicket each for Ragheb Aga, Ollie Rayner and Sean Haether for EB.

EB lost Mark Tomsett (1) and Ollie Rayner for a duck early doors in the run chase. Stephen George, Ragheb Aga and Tom Smith all got a start into the teens but were then dismissed. Jack Hepburn then joined Sean Heather (right) at the crease and the pair put on over a hundred for the sixth wicket. Hepburn looking in very good touch and he eventually went for 50. Heather continued the mission but one too many reverse sweeps were his downfall and he was trapped lbw for a brilliant 81. Chi's Pakistani Test Player, Fasal Akhbar wrapped up the EB tail without breaking sweat to finish with figures of 5 for 42 and skittle EB for 204.

EB start with a draw (30/04/05)

Eastbourne 189 all out (Tom Smith 50*, Ollie Rayner 37, Stephen George 35, Richard Smith 26)

Three Bridges 148 for 7 (Jon Lord 2 for 14, Tom Smith 2 for 23)

ECC kicked off their 2005 Sussex Premier League season with a dull draw at home to Three Bridges.

The 'bourne won the toss and batted on two paced Saffrons wicket. Star man Sean Heather went for just 3 and Sussex pro Tim Ambrose got a duck giving the home side a terrible start. Olllie Rayner (37) and South African Stephen George (35) both batted very patiently and steadied the ship. At 94 for 4, Eastbourne then had nightmare over over losing 3 wickets for no runs. Bridges' Nick Creed (6 for 63) doing the damage. But this brought Tom Smith (right) to the crease. The 17 year old was not over awed by the situation and batted through to the end of the innings hitting his maiden first team fifty. His 50 not out came off 66 balls and proved what a great talent he is. He was well supported by number 11 Richard Smith (26 off 18 balls) as EB posted a respectable 189 from 57.4 overs.

In reply, Bridges got off to a dreadful start. Mark Newell got run out to a superb Sean Heather direct hit. Skipper Jon Lord then grabbed two wickets including the big scalp of Danny Alderman for a duck. Richard Smith also picked up one to leave the visitors at a lowly 22 for 4. It was then paint drying stuff from there on in, Bridges shutting up shop for the bore draw. But full credit to them, their batsman dug in for the cause and left EB scratching their heads to find wickets. Tom Smith completed a good all round performance with 2 for 23. Bridges held out for the draw making 148 for 7 from their allotted 52 overs.