ECC Mens 1st XI vs Littlehampton, Clapham & Patching CC, 2nd XI

The 1st XI travelled to Littlehampton for the first game of the season, having a quick change to the team with Josh Reed coming in for Sean Nicholas at the last minute. Andy White won the toss and elected to field as the wicket looked damp and a large wet patch at one end looked troublesome. Josh Reeds inclusion was vilified in the early overs when he dismissed the dangerous Harry Standing for just 4, a sharp catch behind by Jadzevics. Henry Grant followed with the wicket of D Peach soon after, another sharp catch in the slips from Rew Reed. John Dakic bowled superbly with great figures of 8-2-19 and Pete Smith was unlucky not to take more wickets in his spell 8-1-28. The introduction of White and Jadzevics released the pressure slightly and it was down to Henry Grant and Josh Reed to tighten the screw again with Grant taking 3-57 off 8 and Reed finishing on 8 overs 4 for 31.

Rew Reed and Jadzevics opened the Eastergate account and looked promising with Rew hitting 6 off the first over. Over 2 however saw him edge one to slip and was out. Jadzevics carried on with Curtis Drake and pushed on to 41, Jadzevics then bowled by Flint for 14. Henry Grant was in and pushed the score to 67 before a mix up saw Grant run out for 25. Andy White joined Drake and with them both striking well the score accelerated to 167 before White was bowled for 21. Aaron Bateman had a quick 5 ball duck before Pete Smith (13 no) and Curtis Drake saw Eastergate over the line with 4 overs to spare. Curtis ending on 104 no, a lovely knock on a tough wicket. A great start to the 1st XI campaign, a full 30 points on day one and a great ton from Curtis.