HAMPSHIRE LEAGUE – OTHER REGIONAL DIVISIONS

ROB Holbrook hit a century as Hyde 2nds did everything they could to secure the Regional Division 4 West title but although they took 24 points from their 116-run victory over Wilton, they were pipped at the post by Ferndown Wayfarers 2nds who took enough points from their 85-run win over Fawley 3rds to finish as champions.

Hyde skipper Seth Loader (37) gave good support to Holbrook who then shared in partnerships with Mike Thomas (34), Will Alvis (23) and Roger Tuddenham (27) before he was out for 121 as the home side reached 283-5 with Jon Shergold (4-49) the best of the attack.

Only Shergold (33) of the early order batsman showed any resistance as wickets tumbled to Tuddenham (3-46) and it was left to Stu Vaughan (54) and Jamie Clark (22) to take ten-man Wilton to 167 before they were all out in 29 overs with Alex Kang (2-50) and Danny Francis (2-8) the other main wicket takers.

Acting skipper Eric Pearson was the mainstay of Verwood 2nds’ innings but his century was not enough to prevent Lytchett from cruising to a seven-wicket victory at Kings Park.

After losing two quick wickets, Pearson steadied the ship with a third-wicket stand of 80 with youngster Ollie Middlebrook (19) and then he shared a fourth-wicket stand with Ed Hungerford (18).

It was appropriate that Pearson (114 no) should complete his maiden century for Verwood alongside his father Richard (19 no), who is still playing regularly at 69 years young, as Verwood posted 181-4.

Lytchett’s main bowler was Martin Deavin (3-38) who then hit an unbeaten 82 after an opening stand between the Sparks, Peter (24) and Mervyn (33), as the Dorset side won with nearly ten overs to spare.

Although Burley 2nds lost heavily to Brockenhurst 2nds at Balmer Lawn, the match will be remembered for an all-round performance by Brian Price who is in his 80th year.

Brockenhurst posted 250-5 but Price took 2-21 from eight overs to keep them in check. After Dan Mepham (43), Pete Stacey (25) and Ray Gunn (24) were out, Burley slumped to 123-9 and it was left to last man Price (21 no) and Marcus Reynolds (24) to add 46 for the last wicket to take the visitors to a respectable 169 off 41 overs.

Ellingham 3rds’ 137 at Picket Post was never likely to concern Winterbourne 2nds who swept to a nine-wicket victory.

In Regional Division 2 West at The Carvers, Ringwood managed only 120 in response to Hythe and Dibden 3rds’ 214 whilst Alderholt forfeited their away match with South Wilts IV.