New Milton fall short of first win despite spirited run chase

ECB Southern Premier Division One: Hook & Newnham CC 261 v New Milton CC 246 (Hook & Newnham CC win by 15 runs)

NEW MILTON CC are still searching for their first win of the season following a narrow 15-run away loss at Hook & Newnham Basics on Saturday.

The visitors lost the toss and bowled first against Hook & Newnham who had won their first three games of the season. New Milton bowled well as a unit to bowl out the home side for 261. Lee Beck was the pick of the bowlers with 3-67 off his ten overs.

James Haggarty, Ryan Beck and Dan Loader all took two wickets apiece to give the visitors hope of chasing down the competitive total.

Early wickets

In reply, New Milton lost Luke Mortimore and Matthew Freeman in quick succession. Ryan Beck and Haggarty rebuilt the innings, seeing off the opening bowlers and putting on a 106-run third-wicket partnership.

Ryan Beck departed on 58 after he was trapped LBW by Aniket Divecha and Haggarty followed shortly after, one short of his half-century.

Lee Beck picked up where brother Ryan and Haggarty left off. His measured 59 from 89 balls was assisted by the quickfire hitting of middle-order batsman Dan Loader gave New Milton a shot at victory.

Batting collapse

Unfortunately, the inform Beck departed with 44 runs still required which left Loader with the lower order. At 243-6, the visitors collapsed with George Watts removed for 6 and Loader went for a well-made 40.

Steve Watts and Dale Wakefield were both out shortly after as New Milton lost four wickets for three runs to end the game 15 runs short.

New Milton will host Rowledge on Saturday at Fernhill.