Hythe Off To Winning Start With Good All Round Performance

Hythe turned in a fine all round performance to beat a young Liphook side by 36 runs on a very good Liphook wicket.

Surprisingly put in to bat Hythe openers Rob James & Simon Dixon got Hythe off to a solid start and before long were setting about the Liphook bowling Dixon in particular looked in fine form and the boundaries started to come quickly on a fast outfield. James soon hit his straps as well and both openers made 50 in a 126 partnership before a tired Dixon fell bowled by O. Murphy for an excellent 57.

Matt Howe debuting at no. 3 in the First XI showed no signs of nerves and struck the ball to all parts as he dominated a 50 run partnership with James, at 181 Rob fell for a well made 66, and at 188 Simon Wright fell to a ball which kept a bit low, but Kev James then joined Howe and the put on 42 in 7 overs with Kev making a quick fire 33 before being run out off the last ball of the innings, Matt Howe remained 41 not out, as Hythe totalled a competitive 230-4.

Hythe opening attack of Jon Weall & Richie Froggett had Liphook on the back foot early on and before long wickets tumbled, Weall picking up a couple early on and Froggett instigating a running out left the home side on 34-3, but fair credit to Liphook as on an excellent strip the continued to play shots and kept attacking at 64 though Simon Wright struck removing S. Burton for 23, but J.Pryce was looking dangerous to anything pitched up and with him at the wicket Liphook felt they were in the game.

Hythe turned to Paul Whitlock and his 8 over spell proved crucial as he was unplayable at times going past the bat on countless occasions and the run rate climbed quickly. Under pressure Pryce fell for a solid 52 to Luke Mills and the returning Froggett picked up D.Oliver for 23 at 134-6, but just as Hythe thought they were as good as home but O.Murphy blitzed 43 and Brownlee made a solid 23 before Mills & Weall removed both aided by a couple of very good catches by Richard Last and the Liphook challenge was over, the impressive Weall removed the last wicket at 194 and Hythe were home by 36 runs.

Innings of : HYTHE 230 For 4 (45 Overs)

Innings of : LIPHOOK & RIPSLEY 194 All Out (41.5 Overs)

Hythe Bowling