SPL Premier Division cricket: Bashley (Rydal) seal local bragging rights in win against Lymington

SPL Premier Division

Bashley (Rydal) CC 325-9

Lymington CC 166

BASHLEY (Rydal) leapfrogged local rivals Lymington to move into fifth after securing an easy 159-run win in a timed game on a glorious day at the Sports Ground.

Both sides struggled with injuries and absent players in this mid-table derby. Still, better batting by Bashley and a formidable total proved too much for the Lymington batsmen, despite another top performance by Lymington's Kiwi bowler James Hartshorn who took five.

Bashley captain Josh Digby opted to bat first, having won the toss, and his side got off to a poor start with two wickets down for only 33 with Ben Francis (5) bowled by Hartshorn, who went on to take 5-51, and Digby (10) run out by Dan Cox.

A partnership of 116 with Will Tripcony (56) followed in a patient, disciplined knock joined by Afghan refugee Saif Achakzai (67) in a more attacking innings which included 11 fours and one six. They were both out quickly either side of lunch to Hartshorn and Josh Royan (1-77).

Then Dan Goodey (88) attacked the Lymington bowling in a 62-ball knock which included 12 fours and three sixes before he was caught in the deep by Ben Rogers off Dan Cox (2-100). Goodey was aided by Phil Morris (23) – with another patient innings – and Patrick Lewis (21). Finally, James Trodd (22) and George Wilson (14 not out) made sure Bashley passed 300.

Lymington never looked like getting close to the Bashley total, as although most batters managed to play themselves in, they were unable to push on to a substantial score – certainly not helped by some poor shot selection.

Bashley's opening bowlers Goodey (2-35) and Ben Fletcher (3-32) got early wickets dismissing both Lymington openers Terry Crabb (12) and Ben Rogers (7) with only 35 on the board before Ryan Scott (27) looked in good nick until he was out to Jo Huns (1-16).

Royan (21) also looked good for a while, fresh from his century in the Oxford-Cambridge varsity match, before he was out to George Wilson (1-20). Kamran Dhariwhal (20) then became the first victim of spinner Josh Digby, who went on to take 3-39.

Cox, batting at seven, looked like he could at least ensure the side got a decent total and pick up extra batting points. He was the top scorer with 36 until he became one of three snaffled by keeper Patrick Lewis. Alistair Wheble was then left high and dry at the end with 18 not out as the Lymington innings subsided.