SPL Division Three: Sway CC beat South Wilts CC II

SPL Division Three
South Wilts CC II 159
Sway CC 163-8

In their first match of the season, Sway battled hard to eke out a hard-earned two-wicket win over South Wilts seconds at Jubilee Fields.

With a spot of rain slowing the pitch and a low score expected, home skipper Tim Noble showed no hesitation in asking South Wilts to bat first.

The Sway contingent did not have to wait long for the first wicket, with Max Allen (4) bowled by Jon Waller (2-27) with only eight runs on the board.

Connor Bain (3) was next to fall, courtesy of a David Steadman (2-23) delivery before Waller had Tom Bolam (5) caught by Oscar Marshall to reduce the visitors to 33-3.

In truth, only opener Will Langdon (38) and number six Rob Pitman (46) made much headway, but it needed a late flurry of wickets to end South Wilts' innings.

Seamer Richard Thomas (5-24) dominated the late-order batters, causing the South Wilts total to nose-dive from 108-4 to 159 all out with five overs unused.

Sway's Tobias Ramwell (1-33) took the other wicket, catching Lawrence Yeo (0) leg before.

In return, Sway also found progress difficult, quickly finding themselves at 53-4 until a match-turning fifth-wicket partnership of 84 between number three Will Crossley (55) and Tom Burton (34), steering Sway to 137-5.

South Wilts had not given up hope, and after losing three wickets in quick succession to the impressive bowling of James Brewer (4-33), Sway needed Steve Howe (5 not out) and a confident Rich Thomas (11 not out) to edge the New Forest side over the line in the final over at 163-8.

Sway faces off against New Forest rivals Bashley (Rydal) seconds away from home next Saturday at 12.30pm.