SPL Division One cricket: Pratt masterclass too much for improved New Milton

SPL Divison One

Hambledon CC 338-5

New Milton CC 233

IN a battle between the two lowest-placed sides in the league, New Milton returned to losing ways despite a decent showing against Hambledon.

After picking up their first win of the season last week, hopes were high, and the batsmen showed they could still score big, notching a not-insignificant 233 runs.

However, a blistering 151 runs from Hambledon opener Christopher Pratt on the Ridge Meadow pitch proved a mountain too vast to mount for the New Forest side.

New Milton’s George Watts asked the hosts to bat first on a damp wicket, but 228 runs later, with no wickets captured, the decision proved fatal.

Finally, the opening duo of George Marshall (81) and Pratt faltered, with Dan Cook taking the first of his eventual three catches to dismiss the former batters off Ed Bartlett’s (1-50) delivery.

Pratt followed 38 runs later after an excellent Dan Loader (1-57) delivery, but the bleeding was far from over, with Justin Behrens adding 51 runs.

When the punishing 50 overs were up, Hambledon stood at 338-5.

James Adams (2-16) was the only player to take more than one wicket, while there was also a capture for Lee Beck (1-50).

Far from baulking at the daunting challenge, New Milton doggedly set to their task, with notable performances from Adams (65), Bartlett (36) and Dan Cook (35).

However, with the need to be aggressive, wickets fell regularly as the total increased, but they ran out of wickets after 44.2 overs while 105 runs shy.

New Milton are back in action on Saturday against Basingstoke & North Hants away from home at 12.30pm.