Chilt 2nds deal Wittering a first home loss in four years

In fact the last time Wittering had lost anywhere was West Chiltington two years ago.

Chilt batted first and despite three good starts, no one made a half century, veteran David Hardisty top scoring with a hard-fought 37 as Chilt were all out for 165.

In reply, Wittering were 10-3 and 53-7 before being bowled out for 117. All Chilt bowlers were colts or former colts, a great advert for their huge youth set up. Gabriel Peck took 3-20.

In a throwback to a previous era, several batsmen on both sides walked when umpires didn’t lift their finger.

Captain Stephen Hodgson beamed: “What a feeling! We do like our battles with Wittering having travelled up the leagues with them. They play the game in the right way - hard but with a smile on their faces. We look forward to the return game at ours.”

In Division 1, Selsey earned a winning draw at West Chilt & Thakeham 1sts.

Selsey won the toss and made 280-6 in the full 49 overs. Malcolm Fitzgerald took 3-66 whilst Nick Nolan and Tim Fewster both made half centuries for the Crabs.

In reply Chilt lost too many wickets at the start, as well as opener Charlie Reeves to a beamer first ball. They finished nine down when Selsey ran out of overs.

Overseas player Mick Armstrong, who picked up a hamstring injury, said: “Despite their recent poor form, Selsey showed us that this division will be a tougher challenge.”

In Division Nine, West Chilt 3rds won their first game for several weeks as they comfortably overhauled bottom club Ifield 4ths’ total of 117 at Charlwood. Four Chilt bowlers took a brace before opener and former Ifield player, Paul Richman, carried his bat for an unbeaten 64.

On Sunday West Chilt made their belated entrance into the Invitation League T20 Cup with two defeats at Worthing.