HYTHE SUNDAY XI vs PHOENIX

Sunday 3rd August

@ Jones Lane

Rain Halts Interesting Contest

Rain put a halt to proceedings with Hythe struggling on 13 for 2 chasing 126 to win. Phoenix would have fancied their chances in what would have been an interesting contest. Earlier on a damp pitch Rich 'The Fonz' Last bowled 10 overs for just 5 runs as Phoenic found the going difficult. Zac Millar claimed his first ever senior wicket.

Stand-in skipper Ewan Bell lost the toss as Phoenix elected to bat first on a damp pitch following overnight rain. Richard Last and Greg Woods (1-15) continued their recent success in opening the bowling as they quickly reduced the visitors to 22-3 off the first 13 overs, with Last proving especially economical with only two runs coming from his spell of six overs.

Howe replaced Last bowling down the hill and he helped to continue Hythe's good start to the game despite being called for several front foot no-balls. With Tom Huxley (1-28) bowling well at the other end, Phoenix were unable to significantly increase the run rate and once Huxley had top-scorer P Jones (22) caught by Last their innings looked to be faltering. With Hythe in control, Bell brought on Zac Miller and in his third over the youngster secured his first senior wicket when he had Owens caught at mid on for 17. Miller's four overs only went for 16 runs and helped restrict the opposition's attempt to raise the scoring tempo during the middle part of their innings.

Off-spinner Sean Tongs (2-14) and the returning seam pair of Last (2-5) and Howe (2-31) helped wrap up the tail enders' wickets to leave the visitors on 125 all out. Despite only seven overs being bowled, Hythe's reply proved to be very eventful as the home team lost two quick wickets to the opening bowling pairing of D Price and M Saxby.

In addition, Pete Stevens was perhaps fortunate to see three catching chances he offered put down. However, the innings was short-lived as the persistent rain worsened to leave the umpires with no option but to call a halt to proceedings. That was to be the last of the action of the day as shortly afterwards the match was abandoned with no hope of further play due to surface water.

Innings of : PHOENIX 125 All Out (38 Overs)

(P.Jones 22, A.Price 17, R.Smith 15)

Hythe Bowling

Innings of : HYTHE 13 For 2 (4 Overs)