Lymington lose heavily to league champions South Wilts

SPL Premier Division
Lymington CC 153
South Wilts CC 155-1

AFTER last week's nail-biting last-ball tie with Bashley, Lymington were at the end of a hiding from reigning champions South Wilts, losing by nine wickets at the Sports Ground in a one-sided contest.

South Wilts won the toss and put Lymington in to bat on a wicket which offered help to the bowlers. The hosts got off to a steady start as openers Ben Rogers (24) and captain Terry Crabb put on 37 for the first wicket before the latter was out to Ben Huntley (1-16), who bowled tidily in his seven-over spell. Rogers soon followed LBW to Matthew Burton (1-36).

Batting at three, new Lymington wicketkeeper Alistair Wheble (27) held the middle-order together with a patient, disciplined knock, putting on 30 with both Josh Royan (8) and James Hartshorn (14). Wheble was then out to Aaryan Sen, making his debut with South Wilts having got off the plane only on the Thursday.

Bowling left-handed spin, Sen (5-33 in eight overs) ripped out the heart of the Lymington innings. It was again left to Dan Cox (23 not out) batting at six to hold the innings together, but with little support as the last five wickets fell for 18 runs, with Guy Layman stumped for a duck.

Lymington made the cardinal sin of not batting out all their overs, finishing 10 short, thanks in large part to Josh Croom (3-19), with Lymington's joint top scorer the wides (27).

Chasing a modest score, South Wilts made light of the total required. Jack Stearman (32) and Tom Morton put on 99 runs for the first wicket before Stearman was bowled by Darren Cowley (1-26).

One of the league's most prolific batters, Morton scored 94 not out, with 17 fours in an attacking knock which took only 94 balls. In an unbroken partnership of 56 with Peter Rowe (8 not out), Morton carried his side home by nine wickets with 24 overs to spare.

Lymington are next in action on Saturday at 12.30pm against newly-promoted Totton & Eling at the Southern Gardens.