Felbridge tactics leave skipper Askew annoyed

Askew’s side could only record a winning draw, which was their fourth stalemate in four games this season, and leaves them sixth in the standings.

Despite not recording a win so far, Littlehampton only trail leaders Broadwater by 42 points with a game in hand and they face them next up.

After being put in, the returning Michael Askew smashed 89 to help his side post 229 for eight in 49 overs.

Felbridge seemed content with a draw in reply and reached 144 for seven to ensure a draw.

Skipper James Askew was left a little annoyed but believes his side need to stick to their task.

He said: “It was another frustrating one on Saturday. Teams seem to be coming to us and remaining content with the draw.

“As soon as I lost the toss on Saturday I could almost tell how it was going to go.

“We struggled up front and at 43-4 it could have been a different story but as it was we recovered and posted a good total.

“Felbridge never looked like going for it, which was disappointing from our view point.

“Any team can just come and block and it leaves us really frustrated.

“If we had won the toss and put them in, it may well have been a totally different game.

“I think the way to go for us at home is to bowl first but if I’m not winning the toss teams tend to bowl first, then block out.

“We gave it everything we had but Louis Paul pulled up with an injury and could only come back and bowl half pace.

“Chris Heberlein is still not fully fit after his injury earlier in the season, so our two pace bowlers were struggling.

“It was down to myself and Ryan (Budd) to chip in but we couldn’t get them under enough pressure or break through them.

“We’ve got leaders Broadwater next, I’m hopeful that will be a good game with both sides setting out for the win.”

Littlehampton were put in and found themselves under severe pressure at 43 for four.

The returning Michael Askew showed his worth to the team and a masterful 89, coupled with a run-a-ball 31 from Chris Heberlein helped Littlehampton recover to reach 229.

John Connelly (39) and skipper Aaron Willsher (29) ensured Felbridge made a steady start.

But after reaching 81 for three a mini-collpase saw them lose three wickets for just 12 runs as they found themselves 93 for six. Richard Milligan’s 29 not out helped Felbridge reach 144-7 in 45 overs.

Skipper James Askew and Ryan Budd both took three wickets on another frustrating day for the home side.

Littlehampton travel to league leaders Broadwater on Saturday, with an earlier start time of midday.

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