Lymington CC break losing streak with 42-run win over Hook & Newnham Basics CC

Southern Premier League Premier Division

Lymington CC I 223-8
Hook & Newnham Basics CC I 181

LYMINGTON broke their recent run of poor form to break a four-game winless streak with a fine 42-run win over Hook & Newnham Basics at the King George V Playing Field.

Lymington's second league win of the season came thanks to an excellent all-round performance with several players finding their form with both bat and ball.

The victory was enough to move the club up two places in the premier division table. It was not all good news for Lymington, however, with Hugo Smith dislocating his shoulder while fielding.

Hook won the toss, and their skipper, Josh Buckingham, asked Lymington to bat first on a very damp morning. Credit to the ground staff for the game starting on time and the wicket remaining dry.

Lymington got off to a steady start with Terry Crabb (28) and Dan Cox (11) putting on 35 for the first wicket before Jack Murrell ran out Terry.

The top order again struggled as Lymington lost three wickets for 29 runs. However, Ben Rogers came to the rescue with another attacking knock, scoring 62 runs off 79 balls, including six fours.

Lymington's Ryan Scott (51) also found some form as he and Rogers put on 76 for the fourth wicket. Likewise, Josh Royan (43) had a good knock, including some innovative strikes.

The total of 223 runs in 50 overs was a challenging total, which Lymington achieved despite the best efforts of Hook & Newnham Basics' spinner Aniket Divecha (4-35).

Hook's run chase got off to an inauspicious start, and they found themselves well behind the run rate at 96-6. Lymington's tight bowling, especially from the pacemen, was the leading cause.

Particularly impressive was James Wade, who took three wickets for 20 runs from his 10 overs, and Josh Proctor (3-31), who took two remarkable catches.

Matthew Buckingham, (78 in 97 balls) did his best to chase the Lymington total down. With Jack Murrell (21), the duo put on 47 for the seventh wicket. However, the former batsman fell to Ryan Scott (2-19), meaning the efforts of Josh Balcombe (17 not out) were in vain as Hook & Newnham finished 42 runs short in the 47th over.

Lymington will hope to pick up another win on Saturday when they take on bottom-of-the-table Alton.