Hampshire League – County Divisions

A FINE all-round performance from Andy Donoghue ensured a hard-fought two-wicket victory for Ellingham seconds, pictured right, when they entertained Verwood in County Division 4 South at Picket Post.

Verwood lost early wickets before Luke Hancock (40) and Eric Pearson (48) steadied the ship but once they were out, the side folded for 131 in 44 overs with Ali Redfern 4-21supported by Jim Edwards (2-18) and Donoghue, who all claimed 3-3 from five overs.

Luke Creissen (28) and Chris Spry (23) kept Ellingham in contention but they struggled against Scott McLeonards (3-29) and John Driscoll (3-33) before Donoghue hit an unbeaten 50, bringing up his half-century with a four to win the match in the 44th over.

Burley’s trip to the Isle of Wight was successful, as they came away winners by 53 runs when they visited Ryde 2nds at Harding Shute.

Kieron Hudson (34) was the early run-maker but it was Michael Moorman (67), Rob Munroe (24) and Guy Clifford (17) who took them to 195 when they were all out in 42 overs.

Ryde were always behind the clock as wickets fell to Jonathan Beck (4-16) and Jim Burry (2-29) and they were restricted to 142-8.

Despite having several first team players unavailable, Ellingham were comfortable winners by 73 runs when they went to Hayling Island in County Division 1.

A third wicket stand of 109

between Sean Leadbetter and Aaron Barker, each with 60, was followed by a blast from Ben Goram, who smashed 29 off 17 balls as Ellingham posted 212-4.

The home side were rolled over for 139 in 37 overs by Matt Kerellis (2-21), Barker (2-35), Leadbetter (2-32) and Chris Batten, all of whom took 3-6 off two overs at the end of the innings.

Skipper Jack Cox hit a half-century and then Greg Jones took five wickets as Bransgore trounced Easton and Martyr Worthy by 120 runs.

With good support from Peter Butcher (37), Jason Robertson (27 no) and George Bratt (20), Cox hit 68 and took Bransgore to 181-5 – and Jones (5-14), Simon Thomas (2-17) and Ed Page (2-11) skittled the home side out for just 61 in the 19th over.

In County Division 3 South, Woodgreen fancied their chances when Chris Potts (6-57) had Gosport Borough 2nds at 137-5, but the home side recovered to reach 259-9 as 100 runs came off the last 10 overs and the visitors went down by 48 runs.