Invitation League: Ifield captain Graeme Dean hailed batsmen Clint Hewson and Simon Hickey after they set a division one record in the 15-run home win over Pagham.

Hewson (124) and Hickey (83 not out) put on 228 for the first wicket and helped the home side to 283-2 declared.

Hewson reached his 100 from just 69 balls and hit nine sixes.

Dean said: "It was an incredible display by both batsman, but especially Clint.

"Anything loose he hit. He just went for it and the only reason he got out was because he was knackered."

Pagham's brave chase for victory fell just short and they were dismissed for 268.

David Leaver hit 61 and Matthew Hoare 88 before being caught on the boundary off Dean's bowling with three balls left. Musawer (4-74) and Tom Allen (2-30) were also amongst the wickets.

Dean was quick to praise a gutsy response by the visitors.

He said: "I thought we were well on our way after Clint and Simon had put on such a large total, but I have to hand it to Pagham for giving it a real go.

"We were able to declare and gave ourselves two hours 45 minutes to bowl them out but they certainly gave us a few scares."

Ifield's victory was rewarded with a maximum 30 points and takes them to within seven points of leaders Arundel who were without a game.

Ifield visit the table-toppers this weekend and Dean believes the game could be crucial come the end of the season.

He said: "Arundel weren't playing so it was vital we got maximum points.

"It sets it up for the game this week and if we can get a result there then I think we will have a good chance of finishing in the top three.

"That is our aim and I think it is realistic after the start we have made, but we will have to wait and see what happens."