Littlehampton suffer Finals Day heartache

It proved to be a frustrating day for Littlehampton as they had to watch the final rather than be part of it.

Littlehampton batted first but were all out for 118 in their 20 overs.

Ally James top-scored with 24 in Littlehampton’s innings as Aaron Lees took 3-8 for Brighton.

In reply, Brighton were reduced to 85-5 but a 32-run stand between Ian Parker and Charlie Hetherton helped them reach their target in 17 overs.

Chris Heberlein was the pick of the Littlehampton bowlers as he took 3-12 from his four overs, while Dan White claimed two wickets.

Littlehampton captain Dan Rive felt his side needed to post a higher total to win the game.

He said: “We just didn’t put enough runs on the board.

“If we had got to 140 or 150, I felt we would have been in with a great chance of winning.

“But the 118 we got was not enough and Brighton managed to chase it down in the end.

“They got off to a fast start and got a few streaky boundaries and were always closing in on the total.”

Despite the defeat, Rive was still pleased his side had made the Finals Day and felt it was a great experience to be part of.

He said: “It was a great occasion to be involved in.

“Everyone was really welcoming and it was a special day.

“It’s obviously really frustrating to lose out, but we stayed around and watched the other games and had a good day.”

Brighton and Southwater met in the final after Southwater had overcome Ram by four wickets in their semi-final.

It proved to be a low-scoring affair as Southwater, who won the toss, lost opener Alex Harding for a second-ball duck.

Nick Baker (14) and Johann Brouwer (27) put on 38 for the second wicket as they helped their team fight back.

A partnership of 75 between Danny Humphreys (31) and Greg Young (43 not out) helped Southwater finish their 20 overs on 128-5.

Kieran Buck and Daniel Martin both took two wickets for Brighton.

In reply, Brighton lost opener Bryce Hounsome for seven.

Lachlan Stewart struck 39 from 31 balls, including three fours and two sixes, and Alex Bone hit 13 but wickets fell at regular intervals and Brighton fell six runs short of their target and were all out for 122.

Humphreys and Brouwer both took three wickets as they helped Southwater clinch the Twenty20 Cup Finals Day crown.