Lewes St Michaels II: 83ao

Bells Yew Green II: 84-5

TAKE COVER: Bells Yew Green's first XI clash with Robertsbridge at Cricketers Close was abandoned

BYG won by 5 wickets

A SUPERB bowling and fielding effort gave Bells Yew Green's seconds a surprise win against the leaders in Division Seven of the East Sussex League after the rain had cleared at Lewes on Saturday.

The bowling attack was spearheaded by quickie Gary Stevens (5-34 off 14 overs), who enjoyed a welcome return to form. He was ably supported by Sam Wright (2-28), who showed her undoubted promise with seven tight overs.

It meant BYG had only to chase 84 to win the game, but the loss of the usually reliable opening pair of Neil Cleave and Andy Brooks early on gave Lewes hope of an unlikely comeback.

However, the dashing stroke play of Mike Mckernan turned the game back in BYG's favour, his 47 off 48 balls being the perfect reaction.

His partnership with Andy Boughton put BYG in control, and despite losing wickets late on, the visitors eased their way to a five-wicket victory in the evening sunshine to keep their slim chances of promotion alive.

Bells Yew Green IV: 80ao

Little Common Ramblers III: 81-2

BYG lost by 8 wickets

THE holiday season took its toll on Bells Yew Green's fourths as they succumbed to Little Common Ramblers in this Division 12 match.

Joe Banks (23) and Julian Ehren (16) gave BYG a solid start, but after they were dismissed, only Tim Banks (13) reached double figures.

The total of 80 was never going to be enough to defend and although an impressive BYG debut came from Jack Morel-Paulo, who bowled seven tight overs for only 14 runs while getting one wicket, Little Common gained the victory for the loss of just two wickets.

Rye Sunday: 166-8

BYG Sunday: 167-3

BYG won by 7 wickets

BELLS Yew Green Sunday registered an impressive win against Rye, thanks to a great all-round team performance.

Finn Hulbert (2-19 off 6) recovered from a shaky start, but the game really turned when the pace of Gary Stevens deceived Rye's Sri Lankan professional Sandon Dias (20). Stevens (2-32) bowled 12 tight overs and ended the day with 49 wickets for the season.

However, he was beaten to the 50-wicket mark by Jeremy Knott, whose dismissal of Rye opener Harry Smead gave the experienced off-spinner a well-deserved milestone.

The foundation for the BYG run chase was laid by Neil Cleave (42) and Andy Boughton (39), whose 89-run partnership put BYG in the driving seat.

After a slight wobble, it was left to the talented Joynal Ahmed (31) and Laurie Cadle (28) to finish off the game. Their unbeaten partnership of 69 helped BYG to win by a comprehensive margin of seven wickets. The games of the first and third teams were abandoned.