Second-place Lymington go down to the wire against Havant

Southern Premier Division: Havant CC 180 v Lymington CC 183-8 (Lymington CC win by two wickets)

MATT Metcalfe took six wickets to guide his Lymington side to a narrow two-wicket home victory over Havant on the weekend.

Lymington batsman Darren Cowley scored 47 as they successfully chased down Havant's first innings score of 180 all out with two wickets to spare.

Havant elected to bat after winning the toss, and Metcalfe made early inroads into the visitors' top order. He took the first four wickets to restrict Havant to 48-4.

Big partnership

Peter Hopson and Jeremy Bulled provided the bulk of the runs for Havant as they both scored half-centuries to give the mid-table side a chance with the ball. Hopson was trapped LBW by Ben Attrill on 50 while Bulled was left to carry his bat on 68* as the visitors were bowled out for 180.

Metcalfe finished with 6-46 from his 17-over spell while Josh Royan claimed two wickets in his five overs.

In response, Lymington got off to a similar start to their opponents as they lost Dominic Hand, Ryan Scott and Terry Crabb with 55 runs on the board.

Middle-order batsmen Harry Fisher and Darren Cowley restored the hosts' innings with crucial runs. Fisher scored a patient 17 as Cowley went on the attack, smashing 47 from 36 balls which included six fours and two sixes.

Lower order runs

After Cowley departed, Lymington were still shy of their target with seven wickets down. Attrill was removed for seven, leaving bowlers Royan and Metcalfe at the crease with 35 runs required.

However, skipper Metcalfe (18*) and Royan (19*) remained calm and resolute to see their side over the line after 53.4 overs.

Lymington remain second in the league behind Bashley and will host Bournemouth on Saturday.