Roffey take derby honours as Horsham's hunt for first August Cup win goes on

Amid dire predictions of imminent thunderstorms, Horsham won the toss and inserted Roffey in gloomy, damp bowling conditions, with the hosts setting off briskly with the benefit of a generous sprinkling of wides.

Dependable openers Theo Rivers and Rohit Jagota’s hundred partnership came up in the 15th over after Jagota had taken a particular liking to Sussex’s Will Beer, his 18 off one over including two towering sixes into the top field.

After Horsham vice captain Ben Williams trapped Jagota LBW for 56, a ball stopped on Rivers to be caught and bowled by Nick Oxley for 43, and with two new batsmen at the crease, the scoring rate slowed considerably.

Steyning v Littlehampton picture special.

But the tempo picked up when skipper Matt Davies (32) and Mike Norris (50) got into their stride.

While subsequent wickets fell in the bid for quick runs, Beer holding a good low catch in the deep, and skipper Michael Thornely diving to pouch another – Oxley finished with 5-37, well supported with two smart stumpings by Joe Willis.

But Roffey chairman Josh Fleming chipped in with a very useful unbeaten cameo, his 33 containing two sixes into Northolmes School and two boundaries.