In-form Rye move into top two

Hugo Nel scored 130 with the bat and took three wickets with the ball as Rye saw off Hellingly last weekend

Splendid all-round performances by Hugo Nel and Fin Thomson were the highlight of an 84-run win at home to bottom-of-the-table Hellingly in a match sponsored by My Sweet Old Etcetera.

Rye skipper Gary Willis lost the toss and his team was asked to take first knock on a wicket which was wet following the recent inclement weather.

Initially Rye struggled as they found themselves 18-2 inside eight overs as Adam Devlin (2-57) got among the wickets. Nel and Thomson started to steady the ship, however, as they went about formulating a partnership to take Rye into bonus points territory.

Both players dispatched the bowling with ease as they compiled a huge stand of 206 before Nel fell for a superb 130 to the bowling of David Pye (1-43).

Thomson continued on in partnership with George Wathen (10), who was run out trying to push for the declaration, and then Mickey Toomey (4 not out). Rye declared on 242-2 after 45 overs, with Thomson finishing on 82 not out - his first league fifty for Rye in what was an excellent innings.

Hellingly never looked like being able to mount an effective response as they slumped to 4-2 inside five overs, with Willis (2-23) landing the early blows.

The visitors continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. They were soon 41-5 and in danger of not achieving a single point until Greg Devlin (71) and Adam Pye (39) ensured some semblance of respectability.

Hellingly were dismissed for 158 in the 42nd over. Nel (3-24) and Thomson (3-12) were the pick of the Rye attack as they reproduced their batting form with the ball.

Fifteen-year-old Tobias Farrow and Wathen picked up a wicket each as Rye claimed their third win on the bounce - and a comprehensive one at that.

At the midway stage of the season, Rye are now in the promotion spots and another win at third-bottom Henfield this coming Saturday would keep up the pressure on leaders Slinfold.

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