Big-hitting Edwards sees New Milton across the line for first win of the season

SPL Division One
Sparsholt CC 218-8
New Milton CC 220-5

NEW Milton picked up their first win of the season at the third time asking, defeating Sparsholt by five wickets at the Norman Edwards Cricket Ground.

New Milton looked in trouble when hosts Sparsholt hit an imposing 218. However, half-centuries from opener Jake Adams and Toby Edwards and impressive contributions from Ben Griffiths, Joe Hall, and others saw them across the line.

Sparsholt got off to a steady start, putting on 46 runs before Lee Beck (2-53) had Will Berrill (23) caught by Joe Hall.

Captain George Watts (2-19) took the next two wickets before the crucial one of Jeremy Frith (59) fell at 114-4 when Griffiths caught him off Hall (1-28).

Before the end of their innings, Sparsholt added another 104 runs to set a daunting run chase of 218. Dan Loader (2-56) captured the final two wickets.

New Milton got off to a terrible start when Ryan Beck (2) departed with just eight runs on the board. However, opener Adams (69), who struck 10 fours, and Griffiths (29) repaired the damage, taking their side to 71-2, where the latter was stumped by keeper Josh May.

Adams, Lee Beck (15) and Watts (3) were the next to fall, but not before they had taken the visitors to 171-5.

With everything still to play for, Toby Edwards (59 not out), with seven fours and three sixes, and Hall (24 not out) kept the scoreboard ticking over to secure a well-deserved five-wicket win.

New Milton are next in action against Liphook & Ripsley on Saturday at Fernhill Lane at 12.30pm.