Ferring hosted the Nutters at the lovely Sea Lane Ground on Sunday. Nuthurst won the toss and elected to bat. With opener Willis stuck in traffic, Skipper Samways (57), joined Guy Ekins at the middle. The pair shared an opening stand of 153. Short of runs this season by his own high standards, this was a welcome return to form for Ekins, who accelerated the scoring on the way to his 85.

153-0 became 153-2 as Patterson took wickets with consecutive balls. Willis (29 Not Out) at three, played sensibly whilst Scott Barron set about making a quick and stylish 51 Not Out. The Skipper declared on 239-2 after just 36 overs.

Ben Caiden was given the responsibility with the new ball, with Raggi Singh. Willis caught Miller (4) for Singh’s first wicket. The game swung back into Ferring’s grasp, as Ritchie and Burgess (37) piled on the runs. It soon became clear that Ferring were very much in the game. Ritchie scored an imperious 80 at an impressive run rate.

It was the introduction of Greenwood that turned the game towards a potential Nuthurst win. His 7-2-27-4 tore the heart out of the middle order. Barron caught Burgess for Jeremy James and Singhs 13 over stint was rewarded when Selby was adjudged LBW for 0. Willis bowled Salter, there were still 6 overs remaining.

Goodwin (5 Not Out), and Bradley had plenty of company as the Nutters closed in around the bat. To their credit, they held out for the draw. A good competitive match in glorious sunshine, followed by beer and chips.