Lymington bowlers hold their nerve to gain creditable draw

ECB Southern Premier Division: Lymington CC 237 v Hampshire Academy 222-8 (Match drawn. Hampshire Academy claim winning draw)

LYMINGTON CC’s bowling attack kept their cool as they were able to hold off a late Hampshire Academy batting surge to cling on to a draw in their first timed game of the season.

Lymington were unbeaten in their first four games heading into the match and the home side elected to bat after winning the toss.

Openers Ben Rogers and Dan Cox made steady progress as they pushed the score onto 31 when James Trodd dismissed Cox for 13. Rogers fell quickly after Cox as he was out for eight in the next over LBW to George Pardoe.

Late runs

Lymington's middle order batsmen all made solid starts but were never comfortable and at 143-7 in the 44th over and they looked unlikely to post a big total. Skipper Matt Metcalfe and Josh Proctor put together a 60-run partnership which helped the hosts to 237 all out.

The pick of the Academy bowlers was Kamran Khanna who ended with superb figures of 5-60 while Trodd and George Pardoe both finished with two wickets apiece.

The Academy made a confident start in reply, despite opener Bradley Taylor departing for 17.

Wickets tumble

Similar to the hosts’ innings, the Academy put together several useful partnerships but lost wickets at fairly regular intervals. Number three batsman Fletcha Middleton top scored with 41 before falling victim to Josh Royan at 108-4.

Tom South also added 32 for the Academy but was run out by Darren Cowley as the game was destined for a dramatic finale.

The Lymington bowlers bowled tightly and held their nerve and to salvage a draw with the Academy finishing on 222-8 off their 56 overs, falling 16 runs short of victory.

Lymington sit in second in the table following the losing draw behind South Wilts and will travel to St Cross Symondians on Saturday.