The Sussex League season ended last Saturday and West Chilt celebrated by putting four adult sides out for the first time. Their 1st XI ended with defeat at relegation threatened Steyning. (Their hosts in the drop zone needed to beat Chilt and hope Broadwater and Findon lost). Steyning batting first made a strong 245-6 off their 45 overs. Isaac Tidley and Ollie Collins both made fifties whilst Chilt overseas Morné Louw took 3-43. In reply, Chilt were never really in the hunt all out for 160. Ludo Milne one of three victims for Ed Lamb struck 43. Collins also bagged three wickets. Broadwater overcame Ansty so Steyning were left keeping an eye on events at Stirlands. The home side already down did their bit by amassing 295-8 and when Findon were 100-8, things looked good for Steyning; however a few hours later, news came through that amazingly, Findon had got the runs to stay up and relegate Steyning by one point.
Chilts 2nd XI were also relegated from Division Six despite a rare home win over Crawley Eagles. Batting first, they made 236-8. Ben Lucking and Charlie Tear making 50s. Eagles were 172 all out - James Chaloner again the outstanding bowler with 3-32. Their 3rds were also victorious at Tilgate 1st XI denying their hosts promotion. Having dismissed their hosts for 197, they knocked off the runs in the 32nd over. Jack Shaw took 4-26 and Ollie Holden made 78.
And at Thakeham, Chilt’s first ever 4th XI game ended in victory over Barns Green 4s. U14 Thomas Davies Crisp made 43 and Craig Johnston took 4-19 in the 100 run victory.
Chilt’s U14s will play the Champions League Final at Hove after overcoming East champions Buxted Park away by ten wickets last Sunday. Charlie Woodage hit an unbeaten fifty after their bowlers had shared the Buxted wickets around. Their U10s host Southwater at Thakeham in another final as their colts again conclude another strong season.
Speaking after relegation, 2nd XI captain Callum Wyatt said: “We never start well and really lost our status with a poor batting performance at Broadbridge Heath the week before. However again as a club, it’s been another strong season when we’ve welcomed some new players and the kids keep coming off our conveyor belt. Huge thanks to all who’ve played and our tremendous support structure off the field.”