Resurgent Ram keep survival hopes alive

West Sussex Invitation Cricket League Div One

Portslade 276-3

Ram 280-9

Ram kept their hopes of survival alive with a battling victory at Portslade in what was a must-win game.

The hosts won the toss and decided to bat first on an excellent batting track. Openers Sam Jones (113) and Andy Reid (59) made a flying start hitting boundaries to all parts of the ground, Jones especially making the Ram bowlers pay for some lacklustre bowling.

The wicket did not assist the bowlers. Prakash decided to slow the game down by bringing the spinners to the attack, but the runs came at ease with the outfield very fast.

Ram were very confident in chasing a score of 250, but with Jones carrying on after his hundred a score of 300 was on the cards. When he was out however, Portslade decided to declare on 276-3 after 45 overs.

Rakesh (12) and Danny (15) helped get Ram's reply off to a flying start at a rate of 10 an over, but soon fell in succession as Rakesh chipped a full toss delivery straight to short extra cover with Danny hitting the ball hard back to the bowler Luke Jones.

At 43-2 off just four overs, Viren (38) and Harshil (75) maintained the scoring rate with some elegant and extravagant shots.

They put on a stand of 105 for the third wicket before Viren was caught at the mid-on boundary with the score on 148-3 from 16 overs.

Deepak (41) enjoyed a good partnership with Harshil who carried on playing the anchor role, but from 200-3 Ram lost both batsmen quickly. Prakash failed to score and Ram slumped to 242-9 off 40 overs.

This left Skylab (20no) and Kam (21no) needing 34 runs off nine overs, they both played patiently picking up the singles when offered and hitting the odd boundary to reach their mammoth target with two overs to spare.

The win gives Ram a great chance of avoiding relegation, with Felbridge & Sunnyside, Clymping and Horsham Trinity also fighting the drop.