Havant II 201 all out (48.4 overs) : New Milton 202-2 (45.3 overs)
New Milton put the disappointment of their first defeat of the season behind them to claim a resounding eight wicket victory with over four overs to spare to retain the top spot in Division 2.
The ninth lost toss found the hosts batting, with their opening stand between Winfield and Hoolahan (12) ended in the fourth over when James Whitehurst took a catch off inform paceman Eric Linge. This early success was followed by a patient 14 over fight back adding 27 as captain Galliers showed determination against quickies Lee Beck (6-0-21) and Linge. The first change saw a threatening Dan Loader (8-0-20) and Dave Wheeler (7-1-33) continue the pace attack until the captain had Galliers (19) safely bagged by keeper Tom Prodomo.

The highest partnership of 57 followed between Winfield and Knott (20) which was ended in spinner Ryan Beck’s first over when Prodomo continued his good form and made a sharp stumping. In his next over Beck had Matthews (6) well caught by Whitehurst. Brother Lee Beck then made a spectacular direct hit to run out a startled Hodgson (12). When Nick Gargaro (9-1-44) clean bowled Kinge (5), and Freeman caught top scorer Winfield (46 with 6 boundaries) off the challenging Ryan Beck (10-3-47) at 142 for 7, it seemed that the hard work had been done.  However, Jackson and Lowe (24) took maximum advantage of a ragged five over phase adding a valuable 49, until he was caught by Dan Loader off the returning Eric Linge who went on to plunder the ‘tail’ following up short deliveries with devastating Yorkers to remove Jackson (32) and Wade (2) in seven balls, leaving Ransley (0 no). The captain was happy with the performance realising that on such a fast outfield this score was well below par.

Havant’s hopes of an early breakthrough were dashed by the season’s best opening partnership of 96 between Matt Freeman and Dan Adlem. Captain Galliers rotated five of his bowlers around the remarkable Wade (10-0-9), but the two produced an entertaining display with well run singles and well placed flowing boundaries. Freeman then passed his maiden SEPL half century, much to the delight of his team and travelling supporters.
In the 28th over Matthews (10-1-21) had Adlem (35 with 5 boundaries) caught by keeper Kinge, his second highest score of the season. Dave Wheeler then joined Freeman, who was now on 60, driving his first ball to the boundary and demonstrating it was business as usual. The two began to up the run rate to six an over adding 95 in the next 16 overs. With the Havant bowlers and fielders under pressure and tiring It then became a question of which batsman would reach his landmark first. Just ten runs short of a first ton, Freeman (90 with 12 boundaries and a six) was caught by Jackson off Ransley (5-1-30). Lee Beck (6 no) joined Wheeler (53 no with 8 boundaries and a six) who sealed the match and his half century with a winning boundary. This had been an entertaining match with 46 boundaries, but the home side were outclassed by an excellent team effort.

Posted on July 7th, 2010 by James Whitehurst
Filed under: Club News