Rye hit form to beat league leaders

Craig Pierce took six wickets for Rye against Slinfold

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Rye Cricket Club's first team pulled off a splendid victory at home to table-topping opposition on Saturday.

Stand-out displays from Craig Pierce, Harry Smeed and Fin Thomson helped secure a five-wicket success against Sussex Cricket League Division Four leaders Slinfold at The Salts.

In a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera. Slinfold skipper Akeem Jordan won the toss and elected to bat first on a wicket which looked good for batting.

Rye struck early through Pierce, however, as Slinfold were reduced to 4-2 inside the first two overs, meaning Barbadian talent Jordan - who has been a top performer in the league this year with bat and ball - came to the crease far sooner than he would’ve liked.

Harry Smeed starred with bat and ball in Rye's victory over the league leaders

In partnership with Steven Haines (19), Jordan took Slinfold to 35 before the impressive Pierce removed him for a well-made 18.

The introduction of Smeed led to the downfall of the obdurate Haines, with Pierce continuing his good work at the other end to reduce Slinfold to 96-7.

Pierce finished his spell with excellent of figures of 6-64 from 16 overs, which then paved the way for Thomson to partner Smeed.