Bashley (Rydal) lose most recent game against Burridge but remain two places above the relegation spot with one game left

SPL Premier Division

Burridge CC 223-8

Bashley (Rydal) CC 148

WITH a rain-reduced target of 211 to chase, Bashley (Rydal) fell 62 runs short against Burridge, but remain two places above the relegation spot with one game left.

On a day for the captains, Burridge skipper Joe Collings-Wells led the way with an impressive 70 runs, while the game’s second-highest total went to Bashley (Rydal) chief Michael Porter (53).

The day began well for Porter – who stepped back into the leadership role midway through the season with the New Forest club languishing at the foot of the table – when he won the toss before asking the hosts to bat first.

However, Burridge soon took control, and the wickets were hard to come by for Bashley.

The hosts marched to 59-1, 119-2 and then 160-3, when Collings-Wells finally departed after a Dan Goodey catch off Finn Gordon (2-29).

With the ball in hand, Bashley’s Goodey was the only other bowler to take two wickets with figures of 2-63, while Porter (1-9), George Pardoe (1-22), Brad Currie (1-24) and Will Tripcony (1-52) took the others.

When it came to Bashley’s innings, they never looked like they would catch the total, even after the rain forced the target to be reduced after a downpour.

Burridge wicketkeeper Nathan Schoultz was in top form, taking three catches to dismiss Bashley’s top-three batters, Dan Goodey (2), Finn Gordon (7) and Alex Turner (15) to leave the New Forest side at 17-3.

Tripcony (1) did not fare much better, but Porter showed his pedigree, smashing 53 runs off 52 balls, while Josh Digby did his best to aid him, firing 25 runs.

However, it was too little and too late, and despite valiant efforts from Alex Turner (15) and James Trodd (13), they finished on 148 all out, 62 runs short of the target.

Bashley (Rydal) will look to secure their league status when they host Havant on Saturday at 12.30pm.