Self says Green are up for the fight despite derby defeat

Henfield (batting) v Wisborough Green. Another wicket falls to the bowling of Raj Maru . Pic Steve Robards SR1515657 SUS-150607-134246001

They lost out to local rivals Henfield in a thrilling game by just four runs and remaining rooted in the relegation places at the midway point of the season.

While Henfield sit fifth with an outside chance at bidding for promotion, Wisborough have won just once all season.

Saturday however has showed Self, that his side have enough heart and fight to battle back. He said: “It’s been a tough nine weeks, but that has gone now and we’ve got a great opportunity to prove ourselves over the next nine.

Henfield (batting) v Wisborough Green. Bowlers Tin Dodd and Raj Maru get a pat on the back after making short work of the last few Henfield wickets. Pic Steve Robards SR1515657 SUS-150607-134354001

“Saturday certainly showed me that everyone at this club is up for the fight and I know we’ll give it everything as we go about putting this right.”

With Henfield winning the toss and batting, skipper Adam Scott (41) and Harry Stewart (55) put on 92 for the first wicket. A monumental collapse then saw them crash to 145 all out as Raj Maru (7-33) and Tim Dodd (3-28) ripped through their opponents’ order.

Only Jack Parsons (12) and Ben Helps (19) made double figures as the final nine wickets fell for just 54 runs.

In reply, openers Martin Hopkins (13) and David Vallis (12) were both out with they visitors in trouble at 41-4.

Henfield (batting) v Wisborough Green. Tim Dodd takes another wicket. Pic Steve Robards SR1515612 SUS-150607-134309001

DJ Dominique added 12 along with Nick Baron’s 29 and Self’s 20, but Adam Scott (4-11) continued to be a thorn in their side as they fell to 130-8. Jon Farmer closed on 16 not out with Wisborough on 142.

Self added:“Not for the first time this season, the guys showed great character to fight for everything on what was an absolute scorcher in the field.

“Great credit has to go to everyone for showing that fight; we all rallied around each other and obviously Raj and Doddy did the rest.

“With over 50 overs to bat and with a lightning quick outfield, we knew that we didn’t have to go hell for leather to chase this one down; but patience and application was the order of the day on a slow pitch.

Henfield (batting) v Wisborough Green. George Stewart is out, Tim Dodd takes another wicket. Pic Steve Robards SR1515622 SUS-150607-134320001

“After losing early wickets, we managed to get ourselves into a strong position at 81-4, but unfortunately a collapse threw the game right back into the balance.

“Once again we’ve had a very close game of cricket with Henfield, and this time credit to Henfield and Adam for not giving up as they took the spoils.”

Scott said: “Bouncing back to win on Saturday after the defeat to Southwater was critical.

“We opened up very well putting on 92 for the first wicket but then a combination of the pitch really slowing up and the experience of Maru we were all out for 146. It was probably at least 30 short of where we wanted to be.

“We knew it was still a defendable score but needed our bowlers to bowl well, which both openers did as well as George bowling first change picking up a couple of wickets.

“Wickets fell quite regularly but they had a partnership that put the game in an interesting position needing only 35 with four wickets left and 15 with three left. However, we never gave up and knew if we got an end open we would have a big chance. And luckily we got over the line.

“This week against Crawley is a massive game in terms of our promotion challenge, but being at home we back ourselves to win”