Kleinveldt launches assault on Cuckfield

Teenager Gary Kleinveldt took a leaf out of his cousin Rory's book by posting a hard-hitting 112 for East Grinstead against Cuckfield.

Kleinveldt, cousin of the attacking Cape Cobras and South African Twenty20 all-rounder and younger brother of Hampshire Academy's Matthew struck 17 fours and a six from 132 balls and with skipper Alex Edwards making 71, guided East Grinstead to an impressive 272 for four declared with Will Somerville taking 3-99.

Cuckfield were then sent reeling by two spinners as they were dismissed for 103, with Craig Fowle taking 6-20 and Aussie spinner Cullen Bailey 3-29. Peter Widdup with 39 was top scorer for the visitors as East Grinstead finished with an emphatic 169 run victory.

East Grinstead, Preston Nomads and Brighton and Hove are all vying for the early lead in the Sussex Premier League but of the three, only last year’s champions Preston Nomads are unbeaten.

Brighton and Hove enjoyed a surprise win at home to Eastbourne despite fielding a below strength side while East Grinstead showed their strength with an impressive 169 run home win against Cuckfield.

Playing at bottom club Lewes Priory , Nomads sent their hosts tumbling to 87 all out as Stephen Rigg took 3-18 and Carl Simon 3-28. Skipper Michael Murray, with 21 not out, was top scorer among some indifferent batting from the home side.

Nomads had things far from easy when they batted before winning by five wickets at 90 for 5 from 19 overs of which Aaron Phillips made 29 not out.

Brighton and Hove were made to fight hard for a total of 219 for seven after winning the toss against Eastbourne, Luke Wells hit 72, Matt Green 53 and skipper Patrick Spencer 53 not out. The most successful Eastbourne bowler was Sussex paceman Tom Smith who grabbed 3-64.

But the skill of left-arm medium pace bowler Matt Wood who had figures of 6-40 in 17 overs proved too much for the visitors. With Patrick Spencer grabbing 3-19, Eastbourne were bowled out with eight overs to spare for 143 with Angus Stewart making a top score of 32.

Horsham enjoyed a convincing nine wicket win against newly-promoted Haywards Heath who were bowled out for only 97 of which Stuart Faith made 42 not out. New Zealander Michael Bates took 5-28 and Sussex youngster Michael Thornely 4-54.

In a winning score of 103 for one by Horsham, Andrew Hillman hit 49 not out.

Hastings returned to winning ways with a six wicket win at Three Bridges who were dismissed for 227 after being put in.

Rob Stacey made 49 and Richard Webber 48 for Bridges as John Morgan took 4-68 and Jason Finch 3-38.

In a winning total of 228 for six by the visitors, skipper Finch hit 67 and James Beany made 39.