Old foes set for derby day

Roffey host local rivals Horsham on Saturday, hoping to keep up their 100 per cent start to the season.

Roffey are currently joint top of the Sussex Cricket League with East Grinstead – with both teams having 118 points from the first four games.

And they will be looking up to keep that unblemished record after this weekend with Roffey hosting Horsham and East Grinstead facing Middleton.

Horsham were the latest side to

East Grinstead while Roffey enjoyed a tight eight-run win over the dangerous Three Bridges.

And Nick Oxley’s Horsham have had a good start since winning promotion back to the top division, winning two – including beating reigning champions Preston Nomads – and losing two.

But against Grinstead they missed key players Oxley, Michael Thornely and Will Beer and they will hope to have some back for the Roffey game.

And with the likes of Tom Haines and Tom Clark not involved in the T20 Blast, they could put out a strong line-up for what is always a competitive fixture.

Roffey will be strengthened themselves with Jibran Khan returning to the side in their National Cup defeat at Blackheath on Sunday (see page 87).

On the league situation, skipper Matt Davies said: “East Grinstead look very strong and keep winning, so we’re pleased to be keeping up with them, and are looking forward to welcoming Horsham on Saturday.”

He added: “It was good to welcome Jibran Khan back – he’ll be a big player for us this season.”

Horsham’s Ben Williams told the County Times: “We put in a good all round performance against a very strong East Grinstead side, having a number of players with first class experience, including Sussex’s Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

"It’s great to see our young players contributing nicely, so I’m really happy with the progress we’re making at the club.

“Our new overseas, Ben Lister has fitted in smoothly, he’s a great addition and batted really well.

"We go to Roffey on Saturday and we know they’re a good side, but we’re confident going forward.”

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