Police along with officers from the National Crime Agency are currently attending an incident in Hailsham.
Diplock Way has been closed in both directions and there are reports of a heavy police presence in the area.
A spokesman for the National Crime Agency said: “We are deployed in that area as part of an ongoing operation.”
More to follow.
Worthing continued their 100 per cent start in the Bostik League Premier Division this afternoon.
Efforts in either half from Ricky Aguiar - his first ever senior goal - and David Ajiboye, a third in as many matches this season, took Worthing to a 2-0 win at ten-man Harlow Town and back top of the table.
A third successive victory to start the new campaign means Worthing are the only remaining team in the division with a 100 per cent record still intact.
Frontman Callum Kealy's cross picked out Aguiar who was on hand to fire home his first senior goal after 25 minutes.
The home side were reduced to ten men three minutes later when Paul Rodgers was shown a straight red card for a late tackle on Ajiboye.
Despite being forced to play over an hour a man light, Harlow remained in the match before Worthing doubled their lead in second half stoppage-time.
Ajiboye - getting a third in as many games - finished off a quick Worthing counter to wrap up a 2-0 victory.
Worthing are back in action a week on Monday when they welcome rivals Burgess Hill Town.
WORTHING: Covolan; Colbran, Young, Rents; Barker; Parsons, Ajiboye, Starkey, Crane; Aguiar; Kealy. Subs: Budd (Aguiar), Clarke (Starkey), Rance (Kealy), Miles, Edwards.
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Confidence flowing as Worthing make perfect start
Salt stars as Sussex beat Middlesex to reach Vitality T20 Blast quarter-finals
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Sussex's County Championship season resumes on Sunday with Derbyshire welcomed to Hove for the first of six games that will decide whether Jason Gillespie's men can clinch promotion back to the top division (11am start).
As the division two promotion race hots up, the side are well-placed in second place, six points ahead of third-placed Kent and seven behind leaders Warwickshire.
Sussex go into tomorrow’s match on the back of a run of three Championship wins, two of them by an innings. Their last match – also at The 1st Central County Ground – saw Glamorgan bowled out in the 80s in both innings and resulted in victory by an innings and 154 runs.
Tomorrow’s eleven will be selected from the same 13-man squad that was named ahead of that win.
Luke Wright has come through Friday night’s Vitality Blast victory over Middlesex with only minor soreness in his lower back. He is not included in this Championship squad, however, to allow him to continue his rehabilitation and prepare for Friday’s quarter final against Durham Jets.
Sussex Squad
Ben Brown (capt. & wk)
Jofra Archer
Will Beer
Danny Briggs
Michael Burgess
Harry Finch
Tom Haines
Chris Jordan
Delray Rawlins
Ollie Robinson
Phil Salt
Luke Wells
David Wiese
Derbyshire are sixth in the division with two wins, three draws and three defeats from their eight matches.
The second of those victories came in their previous match, a 39-run win over Northamptonshire at Chesterfield.
We will fancy chances in Vitality Blast last eight
Salt stars as Sharks clinch quarter-final place
Roffey and Eastbourne both won to set up a potentially title-deciding match next Saturday between the two.
James Hockley, after his recent record-breaking 240, hit 139 as second-placed Eastbourne (301-7) beat Horsham (221 all out) by 80 runs..
READ MORE 'Whoever we play we’ll fancy our chances' - Sussex skipper Luke Wright after his side reach Vitality Blast quarter-finals | Second meets third as in-form Eastbourne and Horsham meet | ‘League title would be just as sweet as national crown’ says Roffey captain Davies
Scott Lenham (4-27) and Jacob Smith (3-32) were the pick of the bowlers.
League leaders Roffey (233 all out) beat Brighton and Hove (165 all out) by 69 runs. Rohit Jagota was top scorer with 89 while Simon Hetherton took 4-29 for the visitors. Jagota (3-13) and George Fleming (3-22) led the way with the ball for the home side.
Lewis Hatchett produced a stunning performance, taking 9-18, as East Grinstead (216-8) hammered Hastings and St Leonards (52 all out). Bradley Hatchett (44 not out) and Ian Sturmer (59) batted well in the lower order for EG before former Sussex left armer Hatchett below Hastings away.
Bottom club Ifield (55 all out) lost to Preston Nomads (230-9) with Navin Patel taking 4-9. Ifield and Hastings have now been relegated.
Cuckfield (208-8) beat Middleton (126 all out) with Tom Weston (71 and 3-23) putting in a fine all-round performance.
In Division 2, leaders Three Bridges (171 all out) beat Chichester Priory Park (130 all out) while second-placed Mayfield (243-6) triumphed against Billingshurst (117 all out). James Allen took 5-40 for Mayfield. A win for both teams next week will see them promoted.
St James’ Montefiore (211-6) continued their good form to jump into third place after beating Bognor Regis (192-9).
Tom Prideaux De Lacy (69) and Henry Sims (56 not out) starred with the bat for St James’ while Charlie Davies (5-18) was the pick of the bowlers.
Haywards Heath (238-5) beat Ansty (235-9), mainly thanks to Jonny Phelps’ 123 and Callum Smith’s 4-36.
Bottom-club Lindfield (131-4) gave themselves a slim chance of survival after beating fellow strugglers Bexhill (128 all out). Harry Chaudhary and Shohel Ahmed took three wickets each.
Division 3 West: Division 3 West: Findon 204-8 beat Worthing 197-9; Goring By Sea 93-6 beat Slinfold 91 all out; Steyning 80 all out lost to West Chiltington & Thakeham 126 all out; Stirlands 107 lost to Roffey 2nd XI (score tbc); Three Bridges 2nd XI 140-5 beat Pagham 138 all out. Highlights: GORING WIN TITLE.
Division 3 East: Brighton & Hove 2nd XI 64-2 beat Bexhill 2nd XI 61 all out (16.4); Eastbourne 2nd XI 70 all out lost to Burgess Hill 226-5; Hastings & St Leonards Priory 2nd XI 233-4 beat East Grinstead 2nd XI 229-7; Portslade 173-10 lost to Preston Nomads 2nd XI 197-7; Seaford 184-7 beat Crawley Eagles 179 all out. Highlights: Ian Simpson 103 not out and Dan Strange 7-28 for Burgess Hill; Greg Devlin 109 not out for Hastings.
Haywards Heath Town's first match in the Bostik South East ended in a 1-0 defeat to VCD Athletic.
Burgess Hill Town are still looking for their first win of the season after they lost 1-0 at Tonbridge Angels.
In the SCFL Premier, Hassocks lost 3-1 to Peacehaven with Liam Benson scoring the consolation.
In Division 1, St Francis Rangers lost 4-0 to AFC Varndeanians.
READ MORE Brighton v Manchester United: Likely line-ups for Premier League clash | 'It's history in the making' says Haywards Heath Town boss as they prepare for life in Bostik South East
Full reports to follow....
Lancashire Thunder were agonisingly knocked out of the Kia Super League despite a Sophie Ecclestone led nine-run victory over Southern Vipers.
Thunder needed to win and hope already qualified Western Storm could do them a favour by beating Surrey Stars at the Kia Oval.
But Ecclestone’s four-wicket haul and a highest total of the season, Stars’ five wicket win meant Thunder missed out on Finals Day next Saturday.
READ MORE Salt stars as Sussex beat Middlesex to reach Vitality Blast quarter-finals | Sussex Cricket League: Roffey and Eastbourne wins set up massive game next week | 'Whoever we play we’ll fancy our chances' - Sussex skipper Luke Wright after his side reach Vitality Blast quarter-finals
After a sluggish opening three overs of Vipers’ chase of 162 chase, which included Dani Wyatt getting dropped behind on nine, the England star found her form with back-to-back maximums off Emma Lamb before two more boundaries got the Vipers rolling.
But after just one more boundary, Wyatt mistimed a pull straight to Amy Satterthwaite at mid-on to give Ecclestone her first, and skipper Suzie Bates only managed 11 before Satterthwaite pinned her lbw.
Tammy Beaumont had been uncharacteristically subdued but after nailing her textbook reverse sweep she appeared to grew in confidence, she quickly moved to 34 before Katie Cross had her lbw while playing across the line.
Vipers had been keeping well ahead of the run rate but Beaumont’s wicket saw a dip, with Mignon Du Preez bowled off her pads by Ecclestone.
Sara McGlashan and Maia Bouchier added 37 together in 26 balls to nose the advantage back Vipers’ way, with both striking a brutal six down the ground.
The New Zealand born batsman then swept straight to Bolton at deep square-leg before Bouchier was bowled by Ecclestone.
Ecclestone then completed figures of four for 20 by bowling Amelia Kerr.
Vipers needed 13 from the final over, bowled by Satterthwaite but Paige Scholfield was caught at long on before Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell were run out to close the innings and meant the hosts took home the wooden spoon having won the competition in 2016 and finished runners-up last year.
Lancashire captain Dani Hazell had won the toss and decided to set a total on the same wicket which Hampshire had beaten Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast the previous evening – which proved sticky.
Nicole Bolton and Georgie Boyce laid out the perfect platform for the high total with good, quick, scoring – the duo punishing the bad balls to reach 48 without loss in the powerplay.
But the first ball after the powerplay, Boyce was run out after brilliant work on the long off boundary by Mignon Du Preez.
Bolton continued amassing runs with impressive boundaries over long on and a skip down the track and middled sweep the pick of her 43.
Amy Satterthwaite received a life, when Sara McGlashan put down a stinging chance at extra cover before she was caught on the reverse scoop and Bolton stumped off an Amelia Kerr googly – which took her to a Vipers joint-best 10 scalps in the competition.
From that wicket at the end of the 15th over, it was the Harmanpreet Kaur show.
Kaur got moving by taking 22 off the 17th over, with Kerr slapped for sixes down the ground and over mid-wicket alongside a pair of fours to the extra cover boundary.
The Indian ended up with 44 from 20 balls in a 55-run stand with Ellie Threlkeld – taking the Thunder to 162 for three.
Armed officers swarmed on Diplocks Way as Sussex Police and the National Crime Agency investigated an incident close to the the Hailsham by-pass.
The agency, which combats serious and organised crime, said two firearms were recovered at the scene.
Three men were arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and are currently in custody.
NCA deputy director Chris Farrimond said: "As a result of this operation two firearms have been recovered and they will now be the subject of analysis.
"Our investigation is ongoing, and we are working very closely with our partners at Sussex Police as it progresses."
Young hockey players in Chichester are being given the unique opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s top talents.
Olympic champion Alex Danson will be running a hockey masterclass in partnership with Everyone Active to offer young people an exclusive insight into the sport.
Danson will be at the University of Chichester on Thursday, August 23, for a masterclass just after the Hockey World Cup in London.
She has designed the sessions herself to provide participants with the best opportunities to develop and perfect their skills and will deliver them with support from a team of expert coaches.
The masterclasses are aimed at all young people aged 11 to 16 with a passion for hockey and will give the participants an insight into a day in the life of a professional player.
As well as a full day of coaching from 9.30am to 4pm, all players will receive a goody bag, lunch and the chance to trial brand-new kit from Danson’s sponsors, STX.
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They will also have the unique opportunity to gain one-to-one advice from the Olympic gold medallist and find out what it takes to get to the top of their game.
The masterclasses form part of Danson’s ongoing partnership with Everyone Active to deliver the Alex Danson Hockey Academy, which aims to get 10,000 children more active by playing hockey over the next three years.
The academy usually offers young people an introduction to the sport, whereas the masterclasses will provide an elite opportunity for aspiring players to refine their skills.
Danson said: “Throughout my life I have had two passions, one is hockey and the other working with young people and encouraging them to be involved in sport.
“I am delighted to be coming to Chichester this August to launch one of our Masterclasses. I guarantee it will be a fun day with top-quality coaching, and I can’t wait to see as many young people as possible there.”
Danson was part of GB’s Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team at Rio 2016. She is one of England and Great Britain’s greatest hockey players and is captaining the England team at this year’s World Cup.
Sarah Beattie, Everyone Active’s regional netball and hockey development manager, said: “The masterclasses are a fantastic opportunity for budding athletes to develop. It’s not every day you are given the chance to learn directly from an Olympic champion, and we believe this will be a huge boost to youngsters who are keen to progress in the sport.”
For a full list of all masterclasses, including times, dates and costs, visit www.everyoneactive.com/alexdanson/alex-danson-masterclasses or call 01442 952480 or email hockey@everyoneactive.com
Horsham rider Gemma Tattersall has been named in the British Equestrian Federation squad for this year’s World Equestrian Games.
She makes up part of a five-man team picked by the selected by the British Eventing senior selectors for the event in Tryon, North Carolina from September 11 to 23.
Tattersall will ride with The Soul Syndicate and her own Arctic Soul.
Joining her is Findon’s Tina Cook, Lincolnshire Ros Canter, Tom McEwen from Gloucestershire and Piggy French from Northampton.
Eventing performance manager Richard Waygood MBE said: “This year’s team selection was extremely close, with great strength and depth coming through the nominated list. We head to WEG with a strong squad and I look forward to continuing to work with the selected athletes in the build-up, to ensure we are best prepared for Tryon.”
After missing Cheltenham and the Stevenage games due to holiday and work commitments I finally made it to my first two games of the season at Bristol Rovers last Tuesday evening in the League Cup and then Port Vale on Saturday.
Both games were dominated possession wise by Harry Kewell’s new look team. Some of the football being played is very pleasing on the eye. The ball very rarely gets played above head height.
READ MORE Port Vale 1 Crawley Town 0: Reds lose on the road | 'We need to be a little more savvy' - Crawley Town boss Harry Kewell ahead of Port Vale match | Free transfers and loans still being sorted among Crawley Town’s rivals - see our live blog
Having said that, this is a results business and in order to get results, goals need to be scored. In order to score goals, requires players to take a chance now and again with a shot or two.
Unfortunately at the moment the players either lack confidence in their ability to shoot from distance or they are trying to be over clever. What’s required at the moment is a good old laces through the ball attempt. Something which has been missing so far in these first few games.
Both defeats at Rovers and Vale shouldn’t have happened. Firstly a blatant Reds penalty was turned down by the referee with eight minutes to play which would of probably seen the game end all square and go to penalties. Then again on Saturday we conceded a sloppy goal from a rebound after a fabulous Glenn Morris save.
Vale then sat back for the rest of the game and invited us on to them.
We just couldn’t find the breakthrough in the second half. So two frustrating games in a week. But the good thing about football is there’s always another game just around the corner. With Swindon (Tuesday) then Bury this (Saturday) coming to town.
We have two Home games to make amends. I’m sure Harry will be working the boys extra hard in training this week to get our season up and running again. Shooting practice should be high on the agenda! #COYR
Did you know there are around 50,000 people in the south east living with dementia?
It is for this reason that it is vital for those people and their carers to have a place where they feel comfortable, safe and understood. Living well with dementia is an emotional journey that requires trust and a feelings-based approach.
Guild Care has developed a range of innovative dementia services that emotionally connect people living with dementia. Guild Care dementia services recognise the importance of providing specialist care, which is why dementia services are one of the organisation’s core focuses.
One of these services is Dementia Day Breaks for people over 50 with a memory or cognitive impairment, or a diagnosis of dementia. This is a service designed to support and stimulate people with dementia that runs on Wednesdays, 9.30am to 3pm, at £65 per session, including transport to and from Linfield House, a two-course lunch, all activities and outings.
See more: Vital Guild Care services could be expanded
This service creates a friendly, comfortable and safe environment close to the centre of Worthing that offers therapeutic art and music activities, excursions such as walks to the Downs, trips to garden centres, or pub lunches with support staff, as well as hairdressing and assisted bathing facilities on site.
The high level of centre-based care includes a manager and three dementia-trained support workers who will also use their extensive knowledge in cognitive therapies to enable people to maintain memory function for as long as possible.
Wendy Langley, Dementia Day Breaks co-ordinator, said: “Those living with a dementia benefit from our outings service because they have often only just had the diagnosis or are not too far down their dementia journey.
“They are able to mix with others in the same situation. This leads to feeling less isolated. Great friendships can be made in a fun environment all while carers can have a much-needed day to themselves in the sound knowledge that their loved one is being cared for in a stimulating, safe and caring environment.”
Part of Guild Care’s Haviland House, a purpose-built home dedicated to dementia care, is the Bradbury Centre. This is a day centre with a unique, person-centred approach that allows those with dementia to continue to live well with dementia but also allow carers to find solace in the thought that their loved ones are in safe hands.
Maureen, whose husband Colin attends Bradbury, found she was not meeting people because she was a carer and losing friends to busy lives was just the way dementia affected other people’s lives.
She said: “I was so pleased and so lucky to find Guild Care. Guild Care means that Colin is looked after and I know that he is safe and happy.
“They do musical things, games, things to stimulate him; they give him a nice lunch. For me, the benefits are different, in that I can go back to being an individual person, I can go meet people, I can have lunch out, I can go shopping and that’s the freedom Guild Care has given me and I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
The centre is also home to the Butterfly Club, a service for people in either later-stage dementia or needing more support. These are people who should be in full-time care but whose family have their own reason decided to keep them living at home.
Pam Grey, session leader, said: “Our ethos is ‘being with the person rather than doing things with them’. I think this service is important to those involved because it gives carers the reassurance that the person is well cared for physically and mentally where possible.”
To find out more about dementia services at Guild Care, call the customer enquiries team on 01903 327327 or email enquiry@guildcare.org
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Charity Guild Care celebrates £440k lottery grant
The third East Preston Food and Drink Festival will feature up to 25 stalls covering a wide variety of foods and drinks.
The festival takes place on East Preston Village Green, in Sea Road, East Preston, on Saturday, August 25, from 12pm to 5pm.
Organisers say the annual event has quickly established itself as a favourite in East Preston’s calendar.
Local favourites returning include The Clockhouse, Indian Street Food and Ristorante Al Mare, alongside Kung Fu Pan, Webbs Mustards & Pickles, Fish Story, Perfectly Preserved, Riverford, Cheesology and Sussex Ice Cream.
New attractions will include Halloumilicious, Cee Cees Argentinian food, Very Nice Vegan, Hardys’ Fudge, JJ’s Cider and Joie de Vin.
Additionally, through the day, there will be food-related demos, a circus skills workshop, Punch and Judy, and glitter make-up.
Keep up to date with the latest festival news on Facebook.
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A pensioner and a dog have died following a fire at house in Hastings.
Fourteen firefighters battled the blaze which broke out at a large semi-detached home in Battle Road at about 8.30am today (August 19).
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said a man and a dog were rescued from the first floor of the property.
An elderly woman and another dog were in the ground floor of the home and died at the scene, the spokesman added.
Battle Road has been closed in both directions from Upper Glen Road to Telford Road due to the incident.
Six fire engines were called and crews used 14 breathing apparatus, two foam jets, two hose reels and a water jet to fight the flames.
The fire has been extinguished and firefighters remain at the scene.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Andrews praised members of the public who assisted crews in accessing the building and also highlighted the courageous operational response from both Sussex Fire Control and firefighters.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.
Thrill seekers have been quick to sign up for the Home-Start Arundel Abseil, allowing them to drop 180ft down the Bakehouse Tower at Arundel Castle.
Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur is joining forces with Home-Start Chichester and District, and Home-Start CHAMS (Crawley, Horsham and Mid-Sussex) for the fundraising event on Sunday, September 30.
Paramedic David Lashwood and his wife Helen were among the first to volunteer, raising money for Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur to celebrate its 18th anniversary.
Helen said: “The last time I abseiled was on an adventure holiday on Drake’s Island, off Plymouth, when I was 16 years old. It was such brilliant fun, scary but absolutely exhilarating, that I’ve been hankering to do it again for the past 30-odd years.
“Once you’ve tipped over the edge, the moment when your heart’s in your mouth, you feel you’re in the special forces, whizzing down to the ground on the rope. It’s great fun.
“So when I saw the event advertised, I couldn’t wait to join in, particularly as Home-Start does such valuable work in the local area.”
Helen is a lunchtime supervisor at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School in Arundel, where her six-year-old twins Molly and Noah are pupils.
She moved to West Sussex from her native Somerset and can fully understand the need for support from a charity like Home-Start.
Helen explained: “When the twins were babies, it was tough going because I was on my own with them in Taunton for three or four days a week while David was working away in West Sussex.
“There was no Home-Start near me in Somerset to give me support and I would have welcomed it, especially when Noah and Molly were babies. I came to motherhood late and the twins are funny, lively and exhausting. I wouldn’t change a thing, of course, but sometimes I wished I could have pressed a pause button.
“I know the work Home-Start does is invaluable for families that need a helping hand, or just a bit of a breather, which is why David and I want to support them.”
Gabrielle Tapping, from Angmering, also understands the joys and tribulations of having a family, as she has three grown-up children. She has been a volunteer with Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur for nearly seven years and supported 20 families.
Gabrielle said: “I’ve supported Home-Start for seven years and I’ve seen how the needs of local families with young children are becoming increasingly complex and tragic, sometimes with the death of a parent.
“I hadn’t ever thought about doing an abseil but this is an opportunity of a lifetime at one of the most historic buildings in the south of England. My eldest daughter thinks I’m crazy but I want to raise funds to ensure that Home-Start can continue to support local families in need.”
Arundel Abseil is open to people aged 16 and over who can pledge to raise £250. Visit www.home-startarun.org.uk or email abseil@home-startawa.org.uk for more information.
Home-Start Arun, Worthing and Adur helps families find their feet in difficult circumstances.
Bridget Richardson, manager, said: “We’re keen to make the most of this great opportunity to have fun and raise money for our valuable work in the community at the same time.”
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Plumbing and heating engineers in Steyning are preparing for a big party, including entertainment, refreshments, freebies and big discounts for customers.
Family firm Spencer Hart Plumbing and Heating has been around for 15 years and managing director Spencer Hart has been working as a self-employed plumber for more than 32 years.
The birthday party will be held at the showroom in High Street, Steyning, over the bank holiday weekend.
Spencer said: “I decided to start my own company when my first son Christopher left school and needed a job.
“I opened the showroom in Steyning ten years ago to provide my customers with an all-round service and to prevent delays from third-party suppliers.
“I decided to open in Steyning because it’s such a lovely area and the village centre always has a great buzz. It has a really nice community vibe.
“I’m glad to have this birthday at the showroom for the village areas around us, to say thank you for their continued custom.”
Aside from Spencer, supervisor Paul Stammers is the longest-serving employee, having worked for the company for more than ten years. He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and skill to the team.
Paul’s son Joe Stammers is a plumber, having joined the company as an apprentice in 2015 to learn the same trade as his dad. Joe qualified in 2017 and works on projects alongside James and Paul.
Engineer James Hart joined the company in 2010 and has developed a huge bank of expertise and knowledge. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and keeping fit.
Dan Hart is the showroom manager. He has been with the company for more than five years and in his spare time, loves to build guitars and listen to music.
He looks after the daily running of the showroom and has the help of ‘apprentice’ Bobbi the dog.
There will be music, wine, juice, tea, coffee, birthday cake and a free goodie bag for everyone through the door 10am to 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, August 25 to 27.
There are also some ‘seriously discounted sale items’ on offer to celebrate, including a pre-sale event on Friday, August 24, from 4pm to 7pm.
The company services home owners, tenants, landlords and letting agents across West and East Sussex. Visit www.spencerhart plumbingandheating.co.uk for more information.
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Wedding gardens at Field Place in Worthing officially opened
Chichester Falcons Softball Club continued their fine season with a win against Portsmouth Zombies.
The Falcons went into the game a little too keen, as the opening stages saw six of them sat down again with no runs on the board, flaring several hits up into the prevailing wind making easy catches for the Zombies’ infield.
Pitcher Jason Mercer kept things together in the field before starting up a furious ten-run rally which saw Chichester bat round the order, including home runs from Peter Martin and Bronte Harvey.
Ally Warr was unlucky to find herself stranded after executing a perfect squeeze play to score David Morris, but got back in the game in the bottom half of the inning with a well taken catch in left field.
The Zombies seemed reluctant to swing away as Mercer battled with the wind, but with a mountain to climb the Portsmouth team were left wanting more than a few walks to catch up with the Falcons.
Shortstop Ben Sawkins and Lucy Morris stifled a few infield grounders before Chichester slugged a further five runs on thanks to some smart baserunning by right fielder Hettie McNeil, and debutant catcher Katie Newnham powered a line drive down the third base line for an RBI double.
More windswept walks tortured the Falcons in the fifth, but with runners on first and second James Wheeler gratefully grabbed a comebacker on third base to keep the Falcons 15 runs ahead, invoking the mercy rule to win the game 17-2.
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Rookie Night
On August 29, the Falcons will host their second rookie night of the year.
As the previous event in March was hit by wet weather, a second date has been set for anyone who wants to try softball and join the club.
This will be followed by a three-week programme of indoor practice in time for the indoor league starting in October.
Guys and girls aged 16 and up are invited to attend rookie night and can enrol at www.chichesterfalcons.com.
Little League Baseball
The Falcons’ Little League baseball programme has been progressing well – 22 boys and girls aged seven to 11 have been learning to play baseball at Oaklands Park on Sunday mornings, following a series of school sessions and a key stage two tournament.
The players are coached in throwing, catching and hitting before launching into a ball-game to end each session.
Jonny Phelps hit a century as Haywards Heath beat Ansty in Division 2 of the Sussex Cricket League.
Winning the toss Ansty elected to bat and Harry Towler (18) and Jonny Young (25) put on 43 for the first wicket.
READ MORE Sussex Cricket League: Roffey and Eastbourne wins set up massive game next week | 'Whoever we play we’ll fancy our chances' - Sussex skipper Luke Wright after his side reach Vitality Blast quarter-finals | Sussex aim to get championship campaign back on track
Another two wickets had fallen by the time the score had reached 57 but a 91-run partnership between Jethro Menzies (42) and Leo Anderson (54) gave impetus to the innings. Jamie Parker continued this scoring a 25 minute 40 and the score at the close of the innings was a reasonable 235-9.
For the Heath Callum Smith took 4-36 with two wickets each for Ben Matthew and Max Barson.
Jonny Phelps was in fine form with the bat racking up an impressive 123 before being caught by Charlie Rutter off the bowling of Parker. With his demise the scoring slowed somewhat but Chris Blunt (32no) and Max Barson (29no) steered the home side to a 5-wicket win.
Ansty 2nd XI v St Andrews 1st XI: St Andrews having been asked to bat found themselves at 23-2 but a partnership of 68 between Owen Male (45) and Ollie Brookes (19) retrieved the situation. However, when first Brookes and then Male departed wickets began to fall regularly. Scott Lonsdale (22) and Iain Murray (14) helped the score to 154-9 at the close.
Ansty’s reply began slowly and having lost two wickets with the score on 40 a stand of 73 between Tommy Green (35) and Will Dorkings (36) looked to have the game under control.
With the score on 124 four wickets fell leaving a nervous team on the sidelines. With overs running out Simon Parsons came to the rescue and struck 23 not out supported by Ellen Burt 4 not out to see a win by 2 wickets with five balls remaining.
Balcombe 2nd XI v Ansty 3rd XI: Balcombe inserted Ansty but found the scoring difficult to control with Rory Beard (41) and Dan Burt once again on form. Beard was bowled by Glyn Ellis, but Burt went on to score a send successive score in the eighties with 86 not out. Lucy Western found form with her 55 and Ansty’s innings closed on 244-3.
Balcombe started their innings well with Alan Smith (34) and Nigel Draude (14) putting on 38 for the first wicket. Their second fell on 98 and despite 27 from Michael Ripley, Balcombe fell 58 runs short. Two wicket each for Jordan Mundy, Will Carr and Adam Butler.
Ansty 4th XI v Ardingly 2nd XI: This match was remarkable for one player. Alex Kelly batting at three was in excellent form striking a career best of 179no as Ansty’s innings closed on 292-9 off their 40 overs. He was supported by Mike Green (26) and Chris Layton (22). Mouyed El-Turki took 4-80.
Following his fine batting Kelly was not content with that taking 5-12 in 7.1 overs to see Ansty to a win by 121 runs, despite a score of 73 by Ardingly skipper Toby Silverman.
Determined Worthing slimmer Rachael Davis has been a real inspiration as she has dropped four dress sizes over a year.
She was unanimously voted Miss Slinky 2017 by her weight-loss group in November, as she provided motivation not only for herself but for the rest of the group, too.
Rachael, who has lost a total of 4st 9lb, is now starting a new career as a Slimming World consultant and will relaunch two Slimming World sessions in Tarring on Thursday, August 30.
Read more: Slimming World recognises Worthing weight-loss expert for her leadership
Rachael said: “I have got my confidence and lifestyle back on track thanks to Slimming World, so I am taking on a new career to help others change their lives and achieve their dream weight loss, too.”
Rachael Davis, corporate co-ordinator at Equiniti, joined Slimming World at Worthing Leisure Centre in January 2017.
She said: “I felt like I had stopped joining in with family and friends, would find excuses not to participate in activities or go out on a night out, but deep down wanted to get back to a weight where I felt confident again and re-find my love for clothes shopping and having fun.”
Rachael was apprehensive about joining, convincing herself she would be overweight forever.
“I felt so nervous walking through the doors for the first time but I needn’t have been, my group were friendly and welcoming,” she said.
“I went on to lose over half a stone in the first two weeks and haven’t looked back since. Obesity is becoming a huge issue across the UK and to know I’m going onto help others combat this is a great feeling.
“I know I could not have lost my weight without the support from my group. We share recipes and ideas, work together to overcome challenges and celebrate successes. I’d tried many times to lose weight on my own, and always gave up.”
Six months after joining, Rachael fitted into a wetsuit three sizes smaller than before and spent a fun evening paddleboarding along Chichester Canal with husband Mark and 14-year-old son Alfie.
She said: “It was something I wanted to do for a long time but was too self-conscious.”
Rachael graduated at Slimming World’s national training academy on August 5 and will take over the groups at Thomas A’Becket Infant School, Pelham Road, Tarring, on Thursdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. For more information, call her on 07787 572426 or pop along.
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First half goals from Glenn Murray - his first of the season - centre-half Shane Duffy and German Pascal Gross fired Albion to an impressive 3-2 triumph, leaving lacklustre United stunned.
Murray, superbly flicking home a Solly March cross, and Duffy struck in two first half minutes to leave United reeling.
Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku marked his first appearance since the World Cup with a goal to get the visitors back in it ten minutes before the break but Pascal Gross' spot-kick after 43 minutes restored Albion's two-goal cushion - rounding off an emphatic first half performance.
Paul Pogba's penalty in second half stoppage-time gave United a glimmer but Brighton held out - ensuring they made it successive home wins over Mourinho's men at the Amex after the 1-0 triumph over them, which sealed their Premier League status, back in May.
Albion made two changes from the side that were beaten at Watford on the opening day with former Barcelona and Valencia full-back Martin Montoya - handed his Seagulls debut - and Gaetan Bong coming in for the injured Bruno and Bernardo.
United boss Jose Mourinho brought Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial and Ashley Young in to the side from the team that beat Leicester last time out with Marcus Rashford, Matteo Darmian and Alexis Sanchez - not in the matchday squad - making way.
Brighton started brightly but were fortunate not to go behind after ten minutes. Centre-back Lewis Dunk was caught in possession by Lukaku with the ball falling to French World Cup winner Paul Pogba who slid Lukaku clear but he skewed a left-foot strike just wide of the post from just inside the area.
Seagulls skipper Dunk was hurt after being dispossessed by Lukaku and forced off ten minutes later as Leon Balogun was introduced for his Albion appearance.
Winger Anthony Knockaert fired United a warning, getting in behind and latching on to a superb Dale Stephens pass before sending a shot wide of David De Gea's goal on 23 minutes.
Mourinho's men were then shaken following a crazy two-minute spell. Albion took the lead after 25 minutes as Glenn Murray superbly flicked Solly March's cross past De Gea from close range for his first goal of the season.
The crowd had barely finished celebrating the opener when Brighton bagged another less than two minutes later.
United fail to clear a corner and centre-half Duffy kept his composure before rifling a left-foot drive beyond De Gea from all of ten yards.
The visitors, left reeling after two Brighton goals in as many minutes, were back in it ten minutes before the break. Albion this time were unable to fully clear from a corner, full-back Luke Shaw's scuffed cross bounced in to the ground but found Lukaku who glanced a header home to get United right back in it.
Brighton would have been fearing a United onslaught prior to the interval but, remarkably, it was the home side who restored their two-goal advantage on 42 minutes. German midfielder Pascal Gross took a poor touch after receiving a pass, only for Eric Bailly to bring him down in the area as referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot. Gross dusted himself down, stepping up and seeing his penalty go in despite hitting De Gea's left foot.
Mourinho would have been far from impressed by his side's first half display, reacting at the break by introducing England internationals Jesse Lingard and Rashford - for Martial and Andreas Pereira respectively - immediately after the interval.
United fired a couple of warning shots early in the second half but Brighton were not facing a barrage of pressure from the visitors as they look to claw themselves back in to it.
Albion's Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan pulled off a fine stop to deny Pogba 15 minutes from time with United looking for a lift. Frenchman Pogba was allowed time to take a touch and fired a 20-yard thunderbolt goalwards but Ryan superbly tipped wide.
Duffy clumsily brought down substitute Marouane Fellaini in the area in second half stoppage-time as Pogba effortlessly fired home the penalty but there was no time left as Albion were worthy 3-2 winners.
Brighton: Ryan; Montoya, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Propper, Stephens, March; Gross; Murray. Subs: Button, Kayal (Gross, 89), Bissouma, Locadia (Murray, 92), Balogun (Dunk, 20), Jahanbakhsh, Bernardo.
Manchester United: De Gea; Young, Lindelof, Bailly, Shaw; Pogba, Pereira, Fred; Mata, Lukaku, Martial. Subs: Grant, Rashford (Mata, 45), Smalling, Lingard (Pereira, 45), Herrera, Fellaini (Martial, 60), McTominay.
Brighton produced a superb performance to beat Manchester United 3-2 at the Amex this afternoon.
Goals from Glenn Murray, Shane Duffy and Pascal Gross, from the penalty spot, took Albion to victory.
Here's how the players from both teams rated.
BRIGHTON
Mathew Ryan - 8
Beaten by Lukaku's close-range header and Paul Pogba's injury-time penalty. Brilliant save in the second half to deny Pogba.
Martin Montoya - 8
Made his debut after joining from Valencia on transfer deadline day. Assured first appearance for the club.
Shane Duffy - 8
Excellent early block to deny Anthony Martial. Scored his first goal for the club since February, 2017, to put Albion 2-0 ahead on 27 minutes.
Lewis Dunk -6
Injured in an early challenge with Romelu Lukaku and forced off after 20 minutes.
Gaetan Bong -8
Replaced Bernardo in the starting line-up. Always an option out wide, played a key role in Albion's opener with the pass to Solly March.
Anthony Knockaert -9
Nice wing play early on down the right. Dragged a shot wide midway through the first half. Flicked the ball on for Duffy to put Brighton 2-0 ahead. Always a threat.
Davy Propper - 8
Hard-working performance in the middle of the park. Neatly won the ball back on several occasions. Named the sponsors' man of the match.
Dale Stephens -9
Outstanding in central midfield. Lovely pass released Knockaert on 22 minutes. Another superb pass sent Gross through on goal when the German midfielder won Albion's penalty.
Solly March -8
Back to his best. Lovely low cross was turned home by Glenn Murray for Albion's first goal. Also worked hard defensively.
Pascal Gross -8
Lively performance from last season's player of the year. Won and scored the penalty for Albion's third.
Glenn Murray - 8
Coolly clipped Albion into the lead when he got away from Victor Lindelof and turned home March's cross. A handful for United's defence. Booked.
Subs:
Leon Balogun - 8
Came on for Dunk after 20 minutes to make his Albion debut. One excellent clearance in the second half.
Beram Kayal - 6
Came on for the final couple of minutes.
Jurgen Locadia - 6
Replaced Glenn Murray in injury-time.
Unused: David Button, Beram Kayal, Yves Bissouma, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Bernardo.
MANCHESTER UNITED
David De Gea - 5
Beaten by Murray's cool finish for the opener; no chance for Duffy's goal and will perhaps feel disappointed not to have saved Gross's penalty.
Ashley Young - 5
First appearance of the season. March and Bong caused the right-back problems.
Victor Lindelof - 5
Lost Murray for Brighton's first goal. A day the centre-back will want to forget.
Eric Bailly - 4
A poor day for the Ivory Coast international. Needlessly conceded the corner from which Albion's second goal came and gave away the penalty for Brighton's third.
Luke Shaw -5
Deflected cross set up Lukaku to make it 2-1. Tough day up against Knockaert.
Fred - 5
One lovely crossfield pass in the first half but had a quiet game.
Paul Pogba - 5
Set up an early chance for Lukaku, had a second-half shot well saved by Ryan and netted a late penalty. The World Cup winner did not impose himself as much as United boss Jose Mourinho would like.
Andreas Pereira -5
Struggled to have an impact on the game and was subbed at half-time.
Juan Mata - 5
Quiet game for the playmaker. Subbed at the break.
Romelu Lukaku - 6
Made his first start of the season. Sent early chance just wide from 12 yards. Left unmarked to head from close range to make it 2-1.
Anthony Martial - 5
Came in for his first appearance of the season. Early shot blocked for a corner by Duffy after cutting in from the left. Fairly anonymous after that and subbed after an hour. Booked.
Subs:
Marcus Rashford - 5
Came on at half-time. Pacy threat but didn't see much of the ball.
Jesse Lingard - 6
Former Albion loanee was sent on at half-time. Looked to make things happen.
Marouane Fellaini - 5
Sent on after an hour. Little impact.
Unused: Lee Grant, Chris Smalling, Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay