HYTHE XI vs SAWSTOM (Cambridgeshire)

Thursday 31st July

@ Jones Lane, Hythe

Hythe Go Close in Run Chase

Hythe's second touring match in three days saw a 26+ party from Sawstom (Cambridgeshire) decend on Jones Lane. With the rain expected early afternoon the match was reduced to 35 overs a side but once again Hythe struggled with the ball. James Page (53*) captain for the first time supported by Simon Wright (53) and Matt Howe (26) took Hythe 25 runs short chasing 235 - a really good effort by the toung home side.

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With James Page Captaining the side for the first time - he offered the choice to the visitors who elected to bat first.

Richard Last opened the bowling and brilliantly deflected the ball onto the stumps in the first over to get rid of Ed Smith for 1. But with Russell Moore bowling at the other end Sawstom had knocked up 40 by the 5th over. Moore bowling far to short went for 47 off his first 4 overs but he did pick up two wickets with mistimed shots by the batsman. Pete Stevens very well caught Pledger for 33 whilst North caught Metson behind for 1.

Last's 7 finished his 7 overs 1-29 a decent effort whilst Moore's 6 overs went for 2-64. Harry Smith took over from Moore bowling spin (so he says) and was unfortunate when Stevens still smarting from that superb catch earlier dropped a dolly. Ellis retired on 52 not out an innings which included 2 lost balls and 7 fours and 2 sixes. Lee Powell's 8 overs went for 45 and Smith 40 as Sawstom continued to buoild a big score.

Simon Wright was brought on to stem the flow and his 6 overs were impressive taking 2-38 which included another good catch by Page. Matt Howe run out Bradford for 1 and Sawston finished on 235 for 8 off their 35 overs.The 6.7 runs an over looking much to high for Hythe to chase.

Another poor start for Hythe when Porter threw his wicket away for 0 caught and bowled off the third ball. Tony North and Simon Wright then put on 82 for the second wicket to put Hythe back in the game. Wright made a swashbuckling 53 before being caught off Bradford. His innings included 10 fours. North continued to put his best knock together since his return without really hitting the ball properly. He made 28 before being out just after drinks. Mike Graham went for 8 and Hythe were 104 for 4.

Skipper James Page then joined Matt Howe looking for a repeat of Sundays performance. After putting on 74 in 12 overs Howe was caught for 26.With the rain now getting heavier Page continued to play his shots and recorded his second fifty in a week including 9 fours. Page finished on 53* and Moore 3* as Hythe closeed on 210 for 6 just 25 runs short.

Had that bowling been tighter at the begining - you never know

Innings of : SAWSTON 235 FOR 8 (40 Overs)

(M.Ellis 52*, L.Masterson 45, R.Benson 43, A.Pledger 33)

Hythe Bowling

Innings of : HYTHE 210 For 6 (35 Overs)

(J.Metson 2-11, M.Bradford 2-24)