Wanderers can take very few positives from this game, as they sank to a 6-wicket defeat to a vastly superior side on the day.  A woeful batting display, with the one exception, left the visitors with just 85 runs to win.

To a backdrop of storm clouds over Chichester, the game surprisingly got off to a prompt start and was unaffected by the weather throughout.  Winning the toss, Laurie, after due thought and process, elected to bat - a brave decision given our most recent batting fiasco at Rustington, but one which made sense, given that on paper we ought to have been able to put together a competitive total.  Sadly, it always looks better on paper than out in the middle and again we struggled to get early momentum.

It should be said that the one high point for Arun was the innings of Graham Rees, who hit a fine 43, showing a solid defence and respect for the bowlers, whilst always looking to score from the loose delivery.  If only others had followed suit, then perhaps we may have at least reached a respectable total.  At this juncture the writer holds his hands up (luckily with no bat nearby!) to say that my personal performance was more akin to swatting flies, than playing cricket and was a stark reminder of my cricket 15 years ago.  In doing this report the scorebook has not been referred to - (that would be too painful!); suffice to say that our dismissals were a collection of miss hits, catching practice, performing statues at the crease and occasional nonchalance that led to a total of 84.

Defending such a low total was always going to be very difficult, but the side did at least give its all in the field and the bowling gave of its best.  The opening strike attack plugged away but lacked a little in experience and the wayward deliveries were put away swiftly.  Yet at 23 for 3 there was a chink of light, but a fairly quick 30 partnership meant it was pretty much all over by the time the veritable oldies took to the stage with their mix of leg and off spin.  Skip bowled particularly well and it was felt by both sides that with another fifty plus to play with we might have had an interesting end to the game.  On the day though, we were outplayed by the better side and our hats go off to them for both their display in the field, and for the spirit in which they played.