Six of the best for in-form Priory

A well below strength Priory side defeated Chichester Priory Park by 136 runs at Horntye Park Sports Complex to go 12 points clear at the top of the Sussex Premier League.

Vice-captain Morgan said: “We had seven players missing, the seconds had five missing and we had 18 players out of the whole club missing so to come out with the results we did and getting four teams out was a top effort. I just think it’s testament to how strong our club is at the moment.”

Kirk Wernars laid the foundations for the win with a magnificent innings of 109 not out. The Sussex professional is now the division’s leading runscorer with 365 at an astonishing average of 121.67.

“It was one of the best innings I’ve seen in terms of the situation the club was in,” continued Morgan. “It was an absolute masterclass and a privilege to watch. It was such a mature innings and he didn’t give a chance.”

Wernars also bagged three wickets with the ball as Chichester were shot out for just 59 in 17.2 overs, while Morgan himself claimed the remaining seven wickets from the other end.

Preston Nomads - the champions in 2008, 2009 and 2010 - are now Priory’s closest challengers. Priory go to Nomads next weekend after the visit from third-bottom Worthing tomorrow (Saturday).

Dave Draper will return to the side, Sujith Perera comes back into contention and Tom Harvey could be available.

Missing out, however, are Joynal Ahmed, Harry Finch and Elliot Hooper who all have school games, while captain George Campbell is still away teaching.