Smith, 15, claims first fifer in Horley thirds demolition

RYAN Smith took his first five-wicket haul, helping Horley thirds to trounce Kilnwood Vale by ten wickets in the opening match of their Sussex League Division 10 West season.

- 

Horley, who won Division 11 West (North) last season, picked up from where they left off in 2024.

In this opening match at Copthorne, both skippers agreed on the toss and Horley bowled first with Kilnwood Vale only having nine men.

Horley's young opening bowlers, Smith (15) and Tom Jowett (13), looked to put the pressure on early and kept their foot on the gas, skitting out Kilnwood Vale for a meagre 33 in just 10.4 overs. All the wickets were bowled, despite the slow pace of the pitch.

Smith deservedly earned a place on the honours board early in the season with great figures of 5-25, with one maiden off just 5.4 overs.

Jowett took his first wickets in senior cricket, with his five overs including three maidens, for figures of 3-8.

Andrew Rowe scored 22 of the visitors' runs.