Hampshire League – County Divisions

A FINE unbeaten century from Andy Donaghue set up Ellingham 2nds’ 29-run victory over Verwood at Picket Post and this should have ensured their safety from relegation in County Division 4 West, writes Simon Rowley.

Ellingham had a rocky start losing their first three wickets for 38 before Donaghue (107 no) shared in stands of 85 for the fourth wicket with Rob Franks (26) and 102 for the fifth with Brian New (27) as they progressed to 223.

Ollie Arnold (52) and Luke Hancock (34) kept Verwood in contention but tight bowling from Andy Weeks (2-20 from 10 overs) and Colin Bagshot (3-17) restricted the visitors to 194-5.

Alec Moorman (65) and Craig Doick (50) scored well over half of Burley’s 175 in which Jamie Trull took 5-45 and then Tom Sterling (55) and Carl Brooks (52) set up Pylewell Park’s seven-wicket victory.

In County Division 3 South, a good all-round performance from Woodgreen took them to a four-wicket victory when they visited Old Netley and Highfield at the Vospers Sports Ground.

A third wicket stand of 86 between Andrew Manders (90) and Olli Knight (45) was the feature of the home side’s 199 before Chas Potts took 4-32, including three wickets in one over, and he was backed up by Jason Naish (2-41) and Rich White (2-43).

Jon Nash (51) put on 55 for the first wicket with Mark Penny (31) and then 50 for the second with his brother Stuart (18) before a fourth wicket stand of 61 between Laurence Harding (47 no) and Sam Parker (30) sealed their victory.

Ellingham’s first team’s awful season continued with a crushing 210-run defeat at the hands of Old Tauntonians and Romsey 2nds at Romsey Sports Centre and they are now in grave danger of being relegated from County Division 1.

The home side amassed 327 and Ellingham had little answer to the home side’s attack and were rolled over for 117.