Bashley smash 500 in friendly to kick off season
50-over friendly: Bashley (Rydal) 545-5, Calmore Sports 234-8
TOM FRIEND celebrated his Bashley Cricket Club (Rydal) debut with an unbeaten 150 as the New Forest club posted a staggering 545-5 in an amazing Easter run-romp against Calmore Sports at the BCG.
Bashley's total, which contained 21 sixes and 52 fours, is believed to be the highest total ever posted in a 50-over recreational match in Hampshire club cricket.
Friend, who has joined the ECB Southern Premier Division club from Ventnor following an employment move to Bournemouth, got his 150 off only 85 balls before retiring in the 25th over. He cleared the boundary rope six times besides scoring 18 fours.
Birthday boy Michael Porter joined in the run fun as the Calmore bowlers were toasted like hot cross buns in the sizzling heat.
He made 106 not out, hitting fives sixes and 11 fours, before Patrick Holly hit 78 and Mitch Wilson 50 off just 18 deliveries, six of which went for maximums.
Calmore Sports, fielding probably only the of the side that will face Hook & Newnham Basics in the opening Southern Premier League Division One match on May 4th, posted a creditable 234-8 in reply, with M. Parker scoring 82, Ben Johns 45 and Tom Perry 39.
