Dramatic batting collapse in Lymington's trip to Hampshire Academy

Southern Premier Division: Hampshire Academy 268 v Lymington CC 256 (Hampshire Academy win by 12 runs)

LYMINGTON CC bungled a great chance of beating the Hampshire Academy, losing their last five wickets for six runs when victory was in sight.

At the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground, scene of recent ICC World Cup matches, the Hampshire Academy won the toss and elected to bat.

Opening the bowling for Lymington was Matt Metcalfe (4-33) and Terry Crabb (0-20) who was then replaced by Ryan Scott (1-66). The Academy made steady progress and after 20 overs were 109-2.

But the introduction of Priestlands School student and Dorset Under-17 player Josh Royan (4-26) produced four wickets but due to ECB regulations was limited to seven overs.

The other bowlers, Dominic Hand (0-42) and Ben Attrill (0-26), were unable to pick up wickets, but the return of Metcalfe produced three wickets, and the Academy were all out for 268 in 47.2 overs.

In reply, Ben Rogers (26) and Crabb (32) put on 68 before both departed in quick succession. Scott (32) came in and took the score to 121 before he was caught behind.

Dominic Hand (22) was trapped LBW, then Gareth Schreuder (43) and Henry Edwards (57) put on 82 and looked to be taking Lymington past the Academy score but both departed within the required total.

At 250-6 in the 47th over, a run a ball was required but Harry Fisher (15), Dan Cox (0), Josh Royan (0), Metcalfe (2) and Attrill (2*) were unable to score the required runs and Lymington were all out for 256 runs in the last over, 12 short of the Academy total.