New Milton CC preserve perfect start with four-run win over Calmore
Southern Premier League Division One
New Milton CC 163
Calmore CC 159-8
NEW MILTON maintained their perfect start with a narrow four-run win over Calmore, as the league's top two sides, both previously unbeaten, clashed at Fernhill on a warm afternoon.
New Milton won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Openers Toby Edwards and Joe Hall made steady progress before Edwards was caught LBW for a fluent 20.
Hall soon followed for four, bringing Lee Beck to the wicket to join Harlan Greig. Once again, the pairing gave the innings some much-needed momentum. The partnership of 65 took the total to 95-3 from 22 overs, and a score of 200 looked possible.
However, the introduction of spin bowling into the attack bought a flurry of wickets with Golding and the impressive Greig, after a cultured 51, dismissed, reducing Milton to 105-5.
Valuable contributions from Alex Mills and Alfie Hussey, who both made 10, gave vital support to skipper George Watts, who scored an important 26 runs to take Milton to 163 from their 40 overs.
The pick of the bowling was Lavelle (3-40), with Manning and Johnson also picking up two wickets apiece.
In reply, and needing just four an over, Calmore started well against the accurate new-ball pairing of Watts and Golding. However, the introduction of Ed Bartlett turned the game in New Milton's favour.
From being 26 without loss after eight overs, Bartlett struck four times with his seamer deliveries, taking a club-best 4-20 from 7 overs, with Greig (1-27) taking the other wicket, Calmore slumping to 59-5.
Skipper Lavelle joined Manning, and the pair added 52 to take the score to 110-6, and with eight overs left, it was game on.
In the following over, Hall superbly ran out Lavelle for 16, and Milton sensed victory. Perry (34) had other ideas and played a great cameo to set up a grandstand finish.
With Calmore requiring eight runs from the final over, skipper Watts took responsibility and bowled superbly, restricting Calmore to just three runs. Watts ensured a four-run victory when he bowled West on the final ball.
New Milton will hope to preserve their 100% record against Portsmouth away from home on Saturday.
