Lymington remain undefeated in league after win at Burridge

ECB Southern Premier Division: Burridge CC 188-8 v Lymington CC 190-5 (Lymington win by five wickets)

LYMINGTON CC maintained their unbeaten start to the season following a comfortable five-wicket victory to put them top of the Southern Premier Division.

Their remarkable and unexpected start to the campaign continued at Burridge, twice runners up in the past three seasons.

Terry Crabb’s unbeaten 72, aided by Matt Metcalfe, provided the match-winning knock.

Burridge won the toss and elected to bat first, Metcalfe (3-30) repeated his performance of last week by removing opener Azimunnor Chowdury with his first delivery then ex-Lymington player Richard Lock bowled by Guy Layman (2-44) soon after.

Cape Town all-rounder Hilio De Abreu (43) steadied the ship, but Burridge were never able to break the mould as Darren Cowley chipped in with two wickets.

Dan Stancliffe (35) produced arguably Burridge’s best knock, but it was left to ninth-wicket pair Rick Ankers (25*) and Oli Wright (26*) to ensure a final 188-8 gave the hosts a reasonable total to defend.

Lymington seldom start well but from 39-2 they progressed to 96, through left-hander Crabb and young South African Gareth Schreuder (28), whose knock included one huge six over the electronic scoreboard and into the River Hamble.

Stancliffe created a mini wobble as Lymington lost three wickets for 14 runs, but Crabb and Metcalfe, with a timely 36 not out, ensured there were no further losses as the visitors eased to a fourth straight win.