SPL Premier Division: Lymington and Bashley share final-ball thriller

SPL Premier Division
Lymington CC I 245-9
Bashley 245

LYMINGTON and Bashley opened their seasons with a thrilling last-ball tie, with the hosts taking the last Bashley wicket to ensure they did not return home defeated.

Both teams left the field disappointed with the result, which could have gone either way, even with the away side holding the initiative for most of the game.

New Lymington captain Terry Crabb (30), who started the match with only four regulars from last season, opened the batting with Conor Moors as the pair put on 55 runs for the first wicket.

Moors (88), with eight fours and two sixes, cemented the Lymington innings, putting on 44 with Northants player Gareth Berg (19) and 55 with new Oxford University student Josh Royan (26).

Further wickets fell quickly, including that of New Zealander James Hartshorn (13) and Dan Cox (20 in 19 balls) to ensure a respectable Lymington total in their 50 overs.

All the Bashley bowlers performed consistently, led by openers Bradley Currie (2-45) and Dan Goodney (2-58); Hampshire II player Tom Prest (2-36) then took the vital wicket of Gareth Berg, and Jacob Gordon (2-23) took Moors.

Bashley, also under a new captain, Josh Digby (44), got off to a slow start as Hartshorn (4-63) took the crucial wicket of Prest (1) before Digby and new player Harry Broderick (16) steadied the ship.

Jacob Gordon (46) then held the middle order together, but wickets continued to fall. It was then left to Currie (51 with six fours), helped by Sam Crisp (22), as Lymington held the initiative until the pair put on 53 for the ninth wicket.

Then, in the last-over, Currie looked like he would guide Bashley home, with tail-ender Ben Fletcher (1 not out) at the other end. The tension among the players and spectators was palpable, and after Berg's delivery, keeper Ali Wheble was able to stump Currie to clinch the tie.

Hartshorn (4-63) performed well in his league debut, while left-arm spinner Darren Cowley (2-36) had two stumpings, and fellow spinner Dan Cox (3-35) continued his success from last year.

Lymington host last season's champions, South Wilts, in their first home game of the season on Saturday at 12.30pm, while Bashley travels to Hook and Newnham Basics.