In a superb 18 over game played in great spirit, cricket was the winner at the Bashley Cricket Ground as New Milton beat their local rivals Lymington in the final of the President’s Cup. This was the first time that captains Dave Wheeler and Morgan Rushbrook had gone head to head, since their days in the same Hampshire Colts team. The two played a crucial part in this enthralling spectacle with Morgan winning Man of the Match for his 100, and Dave lifting the cup for us. It also provided a sad but fitting farewell to our Indika who is now on his way to play for Marsden CC in the Warnseal Durham Social Cricket League – we will be watching your scores!

In an opening partnership of 49 Indika (36 with 4 fours and 2 sixes ), playing his last game left a lasting impression of his talent with a quick fire cameo with one six soaring high over the pavilion,  was bowled  McMurray (1-21) . Dave Wheeler and Dan Adlem (36 with 4 fours) then added 104 in a 8 over run fest with boundaries scorching across the quick outfield and flying into the surrounding greenery, until he was superbly caught by a full length diving Rushbrook off Beetham (1-42). The run chase was continued by Lee Beck and his captain but was ended in the sixteenth over when young spinner Nick Elliott (2-19) had a dramatic impact in his second over, having Wheeler (80 with 5 fours and 5 sixes) stumped by Grierson, Matt Freeman (0) bowled with his next delivery, and two runs later Lee Beck (13) was adjudged run out on 179-5. Ryan Beck (4) hit one boundary and was caught by Darbyshire off Pain (1-42), with the final run chase between Dan Loader (7 no) and James Whitehurst (8 no) pushing the score to a massive 197-6 in just 18 overs.

Morgan Rushbrook and Grierson (9) made a cracking start taking 20 off the first over, and adding 47 for the first wicket until Ryan Beck (1-35) had him caught by brother Lee.  Progress was slowed when Dan Loader (2-41) took two scalps in over 8, having McMurray (7) caught by juggling Nick Gargaro, and Pain (0) adjudged lbw at 62-3. Rushbrook continued the run chase with powerful boundaries and massive sixes out of the ground, with partnerships with Kahn (9) caught Dan Adlem off Freeman, and King. Dave Wheeler (1-25) then came on for his last over as Rushbrook (100 with 9 fours and 6 maximums) smashed the fifth ball for the six he needed for a superb hard hitting century. Next ball, the last of his spell the Milton captain had the Lymmo captain well caught by Freeman at 147-5. With just two overs left King (12) was bowled by Freeman (2-24), and Beetham (5) was bowled in the last over by an emotional Indika (1-7) leaving Naylor (4 no) and Thacker (1 no) and Lymington  still 39 runs short.

The team received their medals and the President’s Cup from the New Forest Cricket’s long time  President  – Vick Loveless. A memorable win and game. Well done the green and gold.

Posted on July 17th, 2010 by James Whitehurst
Filed under: Club News