Batting woes continue as feeble collapse gifts Sutton victory

By James Brickley

The 3s slumped to a disappointing defeat against relegation threatened Sutton on Saturday. Sticking Sutton in, Elliot Lodge (2-28), and James Brickley opened up and Sutton were 4 down for 64 with their best batsman back in the hutch. Lodgy bowled especially well and probably deserved more than a couple. Cossey removed the skipper at no 6, then made short work of the nervy 8.

88-6 and hopes of having Sutton all out for under 100, but there will be a partnership, as Jon Smith has mentioned on occasion, and there was - a 48 run partnership, albeit not at a particularly quick rate thanks to good bowling from the young debutants Jacob McLoughlin and Tristan Cossey.

A foolish run out set ball rolling back in Priory's favour, and Srikanth Vuppala (1-14) and James Brickley (4-38) mopped up the tail, the last three wickets falling without any runs being added. 152 ao with 57 overs to get them on a decent track.

Vuppala nicked off in the first over, Jai Patel struggled to get going, and Fraser McGuinness got a good delivery as he was getting going for 18. At 30-3, Jacob McLoughlin and Matt Crighton made the game look as easy as it should be. When they were batting it seemed like the game was secure, but both fell in quick succession, punctuated by a Simon Brewis (father of Will Spewis) duck, for 21 and 28 respectively after a partnership of 49.

85-6 became 95-7, although it still seemed like the win should be a serious possibility, Paul Fisher and James Brickley put on 21, before both fell after looking comfortable. Lodge and Tristan Cossey eaked out another 10-15 runs, but Priory fell short by 22 runs in the end with plenty of overs to spare.