A must win game for both sides as Mayfield travelled to pre season oppo Eastbourne, who like us, have struggled in the league so far. However, Eastbourne would be buoyed by the inclusion of Sussex pair Archie Lenham and Ollie Carter, with Mayfield to field first again.

With Allen opening the bowling, environments seemed different, and the returning Martin was deadeye with his first throw of the day to run out captain Smith at the non-strikers. Sussex pair Carter and Lenham (A) looked assured and threaten to score big. But again, Martin was key as his “bouncer” had Carter pulling down the throat of Killops at deep square. Trotter was introduced, and after a sticky start, had Lenham S bowled, squeezing it under the left hander. Lenham A also fell bowled to Trotter and really, Mayfield should have gone foot on throat. However, Eastbourne built steadily through Turner and Pope. The key moment came in the field, as Harding dropped Turner in the 30s, a chance Keon would take in his sleep usually. Turner ended up with 106 not out, blasting balls mainly over backward point and cover, taking Eastbourne to 271.

Mayfield started slowly in reply, hoping to retain wickets for a big, back end to the innings. Raymond looked mustard once more, even with his cardboard back. Fitchet struggled to start, but eventually got the hang of Eastbourne’s attack. Sharma and Killops fell in quick succession which indeed stalled the progress. Fitchet made it to 50, and then got out, Cooke hit ex player Sarro to the moon before trying to repeat it and being caught for a quick fire 17. Harding was the final hope to salvage a win via a miracle, but he fell 5 short of 50. Freeman their torment in chief as he finished with 3 wickets. Some late innings resistance from James Allen (he got a hundred in LMS on Wednesday if he hasn’t told you already) who hit 2 massive 6s, one causing some damage to the local car park.

Bognor at home next week. Sharma away, so the Rob ‘IKEA back’ Raymond will stay in for the final pink ball game until the run in

Report by Rodney ‘Dave the badger’ Trotter