Hampshire League – County Divisions

CHARLIE Lambourne was the unlikely hero as Burley beat Purbrook 2nds by 25 runs in a low scoring match in County Division 4 South.

Burley were pegged back by the visitors’ accurate attack and only opener Kieron Hudson (35) made any real progress in the early order.

The scoring rate was increased in the last ten overs especially by Jim Burry (26) and Lambourne (23) who hit several boundaries to lift the home side to 158 when they were all out in the 45th over.

For some reason, the Purbrook batsmen went after quick runs from the start and they paid the penalty as several of their batsmen fell to rash strokes.

Skipper Wayne Tucker (3-36) was the best of the early bowlers but it was Lambourne (5-20) who ensured that the visitors were bowled out for 133 in the 37th over.

Verwood were never able to keep up with the required rate after Emsworth had posted a challenging 256-9 with Scott McLeonards taking 3-49.

The early batsmen comprising Charlie Gajic (55), Luke Hancock (39) and Josh Lambley (26) put Verwood in a good position at 129-2 at the halfway stage but then wickets tumbled and they were dismissed for 191 in the 39th over.

Half centuries from Jim Edwards and Ali Redfern set up Ellingham 2nds’ convincing six-wicket win when they visited Lymington 3rds at Woodside Park.

Lymington owed much to Hugo Chandler (56) for their 207-7 (Dean Spicer 4-20) but it was not enough to stop Ellingham cruising home thanks to Edwards (77) and Redfern (56).

It was a different story for Ellingham’s first team who suffered a five-wicket defeat when they entertained Ventnor 2nds at Picket Post.

Aaron Barker (94) was the mainstay of the Ellingham batting and, with Ben Goram (49) and Chris Batten (30) giving good support, they posted 253-5 but the islanders took advantage of some loose bowling as they reached their target with just four balls to spare.

Woodgreen only managed to score 101 against County Division 3 pacesetters Bramshaw before their last wicket fell in the 32nd over as only Laurence Harding (31) and Sam Parker (35) showed any resistance to Jamie Martin (8-35).

Bramshaw lost three wickets, including two to Jason Naish (2-47), before Zane D’Monte (32 no) and Johnny Murray (41 no) saw them home without further loss in the 23rd over.