HIGHCLIFFE vs HYTHE SUNDAY XI

Sunday 8th May

Bring On The Summer As Sunday XI Draw In Sub Zero Temperatures

Paul QUINNELL

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon watching cricket in sub zero temperatures and the constant smell of dogs mess around after Quinney had trodden in a pile - again and a again and spread it over a wide area. Oh cricket - yes Hythe recorded a winning draw after their 196 proved too tougher challenge for Highcliffe to chase in two hours.

Finally Quinney got his chance to lead out the Green Caps on probably the worse ground that he will come across this year. Spare a thought for Highcliffe who pay out £75 every Sunday for the opportunity to play at Wingfields.

Winning the toss Quinney chose to bat first something Tom Porter wasn't happy about after a 9 ball duck. Highcliffe fielded 6 Alderholt players including young Mr.Willoughby who impressed with the ball. Sam Mead lasted 7 balls for 6 and when the reliable Matt Young was bowled for 20 - Hythe were struggling at 36 for 3. Magnum to the rescue with the support of Adrian de Jager - the pair put on 97 in 14 overs before Graham was out for a very good 40.

De Jager brought up his fifty in 46 balls including 7x4's and a six. Jonjo Stovell was sent in at 6 and it took him longer to get to the crease than he actually batted for which left Tom Richards laughing his head off. However little did Richie know but he was to later join the 'Gay Bat Board' as well. De Jager and Tongs added a quick 48 for the 6th wicket before Addie swapped his bat and again was out soon after for 71. Hythe finishing on 196 for 6 dec Tongs 22 not out including a six.

After a good tea and for £45 it should be - Hythe took to the field with 12 men - the 12th - Harry the hoover - umpire to earn off his three slices of chocolate cake. Quinnell opened with Richard Last and Jonjo Stovell and it was Jonjo who took the first wicket ct & bd Loader for 2. Fonzy then got in on the act bowling the dangerous T.Morris 9 and then with a de Jager catch - West for 9. Highcliffe 25 for 3 and with voices behind me saying 'I will be annoyed if this lot blow us away' - the unbeaten Highcliffe skipper. A 89 run partnership between Willoughby and skipper G.Andrew took the score to 114 before both fell in quick succession. Willoughby well caught by Young off Quinnell for 32 and Andrew triggered by Harry the hoover for de Jager for 44.

De Jager limped out of the game. Replaced by Tom Richards who dismissed Esterhuisen for 15 caught by skipper Quinnell. 128 for 6 with 11 overs remaining. With Quinney bowling as many wides as good balls (10) it was time to bring Tom Huxley on from the far end. Richards however struck again as Field was caught by Young for 4. Three runs later Magnum came onto bowl his pies and first ball Bryer was judged LBW - guess who by Harry the hoover - but his time no question. 147 for 8 - two more wickets need with 17 balls left. They huffed and puffed but Highcliffe held on for a deserved draw.

Good performance by Hythe - winning draw you could say - and well done Quinney in his first game as captain. Compliments form the guru as he told me afterwards Quinney was moving it all over the place so apologies for the wides comment. Next week should be more challenging as Compton & Chandlers Ford come to town.

Innings of : HYTHE 196 For 7 dec (35 Overs)

Innings of : HIGHCLIFFE 155 For 8 (34 Overs)

Hythe Bowling

RESULT : MATCH DRAWN