New Milton’s electric Watts overpowers Lymington

Prem Div / Div 1 (West): New Milton CC 150 vs Lymington CC 123

NEW MILTON bowler George Watts proved to be the match-winner when the Fernhill Lane side and Lymington resumed their local rivalry in last Saturday’s league fixture.

On a beautiful afternoon in a lovely setting, captain Watts won the toss and elected to bat first. New Milton got off to a steady start until Toby Edwards had to retire on 19 with a knee injury.

Then three wickets fell for just one run to Josh Royan who, at one stage, had taken 3-2 before finishing on 4-31. Lee Beck (16) and Joe Hall (35) steadied the innings with a patient knock.

Watts then chipped in with 16 runs before spinners Josh Bailey (3-30) and Jude Tollerfield (3-31) combined to take the remaining wickets to leave New Milton on 150 all out in the last over.

Sharp fielding by Lymington and two catches by Ryan Scott helped keep the score down.

When Lymington batted on a pitch that offered help to the bowlers, it was fast bowler George Watts who did the damage. In seven overs he took five wickets for 14 runs with only eight runs coming off the bat. At one stage, Lymington had lost four wickets for only 37 runs.

Ryan Scott (45) and Cameron Robertson (27) helped steady the ship by putting on 53 for the fifth wicket, the former batting for a very patient two-hour spell. Wickets then fell steadily, with only Josh Bailey (16) providing resistance, and Lymington fell short by 27 runs.

Joe Hall (2-28) and Ryan Beck (2-20) were the other main wicket-takers.

Next Saturday, New Milton CC take on league leaders Bashley Cricket Club at the Bashley Road ground while Lymington CC host second-placed Bournemouth Cricket Club.