Music stars' messages to England team

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It was another Super Saturday across the senior teams, with all four sides winning for the second weekend in a row, securing maximum points and strengthening their positions heading into the run‑in.

🔵 Men’s Senior Cricket
The 1st XI hosted Little Common Ramblers on a scorching afternoon and produced a superb comeback victory. After winning the toss, Eastbourne slipped to 69–4 from 27 overs against tight bowling, but a brilliant 130‑run partnership between young rising talent Josh Dowsett (75) and seasoned campaigner Mark Tomsett (74 not out) lifted the total to 222–6 from 53 overs. In reply, Little Common lost wickets regularly and were bowled out for 138, with Jacob Smith once again starring, taking 5–74 from 20 overs and Sebastian Bradley taking the crucial final wicket with just 7 overs to go to seal the maximum 30 points. The win keeps Eastbourne firmly in the title race and sets up a mouthwatering clash next weekend at The Saffrons against Brighton & Hove CC, who sit just four points behind in 2nd place.

The 2nd XI extended their lead at the top of Division 5 East with a 7‑wicket win over Buxted Park. Buxted raced to 133–1, and at 168–4 looked well set, but Eastbourne’s spinners turned the game on its head, bowling Buxted out for 215, led by Jack Jordan’s outstanding 6–24 from 7 overs. The chase was emphatic — Eastbourne knocked off the runs inside 25 overs, with skipper Jamie Hamilton (61 not out) and Jack Meacher (62 from 31 balls) powering the side home.

The 3rd XI made it back‑to‑back wins with a gritty 4‑wicket victory over Kerala Strikers. The visitors were dismissed for 183, thanks to George Jones (4–38) and Shaun Van Niekerk (4–29). At 63–6, the chase looked in trouble, but stand‑in skipper Sanj Jain (43 not out) and the evergreen Chris Baker (62 not out) put on a superb 120‑run partnership to seal the win with seven overs to spare.

The 4th XI collected maximum points without taking the field, as Bexhill Strikers 2nd XI conceded on Friday morning.

All four senior sides remain well‑placed in their respective leagues as the season heads towards its decisive phase.

🟡 Women’s Cricket
The Women’s 1st XI slipped to a 37‑run defeat against Hailsham Women’s Roses at The Saffrons. Hailsham posted 192/7, with wickets shared among the Eastbourne bowlers. In reply, Eastbourne were bowled out for 155, finishing short despite Alexandra Caulfield’s excellent 46.

🟢 Senior Midweek Cricket
Two senior midweek fixtures added to a busy week at The Saffrons.

On Wednesday, the Yellowhammers visited for their annual fixture. Eastbourne’s Midweek XI were bowled out for 182, with overseas Jack Shelly hitting a half‑century. The Yellowhammers chased the target for the loss of six wickets in what was, as always, a hugely enjoyable afternoon of cricket.

On Thursday, the MCC arrived for their bi‑annual match. Skipper Jacob Smith won the toss and elected to bat on a well‑used wicket, making a hard‑fought 59 from 97 balls in Eastbourne’s total of 143. At 58–5, the game was in the balance, but Jacob Watson, playing as an MCC candidate, struck 67* to guide the visitors home by five wickets.

🟣 Junior Cricket
The juniors continued their excellent season with another packed week of fixtures.

The U13s began the week with a 40‑run win away at Westfield, scoring 115/5 before bowling the hosts out for 75, with wickets shared throughout the attack.

On Thursday, the U16 girls hosted Horsham and faced a tough evening against a strong side, bowled out for 69 before Horsham chased the total comfortably.

Also on Thursday, the U16 boys travelled to Buxted Park and claimed a 47‑run win. Eastbourne posted 173/4, with Jack Jordan (40 retired) and Elijah Morris (43 retired) leading the scoring. Tight bowling restricted Buxted to 126–6.

On Friday, the U12s hosted Buxted and produced another excellent performance. Eastbourne made 149/6, with Harvey Tomsett (26 retired) and Thomas Lipa (25 retired) scoring freely. Buxted replied with 99/8, with Thomas Lipa completing a fine all‑round display by taking 3–5.