Chichester wilted in the August sunshine away to Sussex Premier League leaders Horsham – and in doing so placed them in a potential relegation struggle with three games to go.
Horsham captain Craig Gallacher was reluctant to ask Chichester to bat on an excellent Horsham surface and his reluctance appeared justified when Chichester reached 60 without loss.
Things changed when Chichester captain Mark Bamford was somewhat unfortunate to be adjudged lbw for 28 – this marked a terrible collapse for the visitors.
Kirkham continued when Bamford was lost before he was run out for 57; the first of two run-outs that accounted for two of the top three batsmen.
Unfortunately, none of the rest of the Chichester players could offer any resistance against the spin of Mike Munday and Will Beer, who took three and four wickets respectively. The visitors and were eventually bowled out for just 124.
A score of 124 was never enough on a good wicket, and this proved to be the case as Horsham reached their victory target for the loss of just two wickets – both claimed by Adam Zampa.
That Horsham took 40 overs to reach their target was testament to how well Chichester bowled, but this was little consolation for the visitors. Beer carried his bat for 52.
Chichester entertain Hastings on Saturday and must recover their form to stay in the Sussex Premier League.
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