Dias returns but Rye’s lead is cut

The events began prior to Saturday’s home fixture against Buxted Park, sponsored by The Gandhi Tandoori, as a text was received from overseas player Sandun Dias that he was returning for the last four games.

Dias had headed back to his homeland to play in the Sri Lanka Premier League, but the competition had been reduced to only four teams,therefore releasing him from his contract.

Dias arrived back in Rye on Saturday to take over the reins of captaincy again, and for 37 overs Rye played the same consistent tight cricket in the field they have done all season.

Craig Pierce and Dias bowled tightly to restrict the Buxted batsmen, while Martin Blincow struck four times to reduce the visitors to 107-6. It was from this point that the game slipped from Rye’s grasp, quite literally, as Buxted skipper Rob Raymond was dropped four times.

Raymond (69 not out) and Colin Coddington (24) seized the initiativeby adding 74 runs in just 10 overs as Buxted finished on 199-7 off 50 overs. Dias, Pierce and Jo Lovell claimed a wicket apiece.

Rye’s reply began positively as James Hamilton and Dan Seabrook added 37 in just 11 overs, but it was then that mother nature intervened as heavy rain fell and on the hard track provided the greasy conditions that Buxted bowler Craig Olive thrives on.