Roffey up Bexhill down Nomads poised

Preston Nomads need one point from their game at Bexhill next Saturday to win the Sussex Premier League title for the third successive season.

They were frustrated by a weather delay at Chichester on Saturday but still took 16 points by winning a 20-20 game. Horsham’s win against Bexhill ensures they take second place.

Bexhill, promoted just twelve months ago, have been relegated after losing at Horsham but who goes with them will not be known until the finals games are completed next Saturday.

Cuckfield, Three Bridges, Eastbourne and East Grinstead are all still in danger but Hastings earned enough points from their draw against Three Bridges to ensure their safety.

Preston Nomads were frustrated by ground conditions at Chichester and had to be satisfied with sixteen points as winners of a 20 over a side game at Priory Park.

Chichester were dismissed for 114 with 35 from Chris Kirkham and 31 from David Leaver as Joe Gatting took 3-29.

Gatting then hit 52 in a winning score of 115 for seven, Chris Kirham taking 2-11.

Horsham put Bexhill in and sent them packing to 156 with Toby Finzel making 29 and Huigh Finzel 47, the pair adding 63 for the first wicket.

But then Luke Marshall’s off spin took control and he took 6-39 including a hat-trick to dismiss the visitors.

Horsham found it far from easy and crashed to 97 for five. But then Will Beer with 76 not out and skipper Alan Law, who made 35 not out, took them home at 157 for five from 32 overs.

Hastings ended their relegation worries just, when they held on for a draw at home to Three Bridges who remain worrying to their final game when the teams meet again next Saturday.

Mark Newell made 59 and Danny Alderman and James Chadburn each 50 in a Bridges total of 246 for six declared.

At stumps, Hastings held on at 232 for nine as Jason Finch made 79 and George Campbell 63, for the visitors Alderman took 4-58 and Ollie Branford 3-44.

Roffey will play Premier League cricket for the first time next season having clinched the Second Division title with maximum points at home to Billingshurst on Saturday.