HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE – COUNTY DIVISIONS

PROMOTION issues for two Wiltshire clubs in County Division 4 West were settled at New Forest grounds just two miles apart and, despite a resounding nine-wicket victory for Amesbury over Ellingham 2nds at Picket Post, it was Dinton who snatched the runners-up spot behind Winton with a massive 233-run victory at Burley.

Once again Burley had several of their key players missing and Dinton took full advantage of their weak opponents smashing 355-6 from their 45 overs.

The huge total was mainly due to an opening stand of 251 between Lance Harwood and Ben Coombs (71). Harwood smashed 21 fours and three sixes in his 162 and then Andy Neal hit 28 including three sixes and two fours with Dan Pullen (2-57) and Steve Moorman (3-77) the main wicket takers.

Burley were never likely to challenge especially after losing Kieron Hudson (18) and although Alex Martin hit 57, they were bowled out for 122 in the 25th over by Danith Gunawardana (3-56), Matt James (3-17), Rob Middlecote (2-23) and Sean Howell (2-9).

Ellingham 2nds denied Amesbury maximum bowling points as they held out at 199-5 with Peter Doust (59) sharing in stands of 48 for the second wicket with James Terry (45) and 62 for the third with Andy Donaghue (33). Skipper Andy Jones made 22 and Mac Atkinson took 3-44.

Amesbury were soon into their stride with an opening stand of 60 between Andy Renshaw (23) and Adi Berry (76 no) who then put on 140 for the second wicket with Jordan Derbyshire (86 no) as the visitors won without further loss.

Verwood were far too strong for nine-man Lymington 3rds when they trounced them by eight wickets at Potterne Park.

Despite stalwart Peter Tapper opening both the batting and bowling for Lymington, they were bowled out for 128 in 43 overs with Jerry Milward (3-19) and Ali Gajic (3-42) the best bowlers.

Ollie Arnold (49) and Luke Hancock (41) put on 99 for Verwood’s first wicket and they won inside 22 overs.

Ellingham rounded off a very disappointing season with another two figure total and they lost by five wickets to champions Alton 2nds that ensures their relegation from County Division 1.

After winning the toss and batting, Ellingham managed just 84 off 34.3 overs at the Jubilee Fields. First out was Mark Burrett who hit the first 16 runs and after they had slumped to 27-4, opener Henry Shutler (23) and Sean Leadbetter (17) added 41 before the last five wickets fell for 15 runs.

Alton lost an early wicket but Lawrence Hughes (37) ensured their victory in the 23rd over despite Ties Lambers taking 2-21.

Woodgreen had an even lower total when they were shot out for 53 to lose by 214 runs when they entertained Sway in County Division 3 South.

Tim Noble hit an unbeaten 120 and he shared in a first wicket stand of 237 with Alex Hall (113) as Sway posted 267-3 with Chaz Potts taking 2-32.

Only Laurence Harding (16) reached double figures as Woodgreen’s innings was destroyed within 26 overs by Ben Powys (4-11) and Jon Waller (4-32).