DEVON TOUR

KINGSBRIDGE vs HYTHE & DIBDEN

Monday 9th July

SKIPPER BELL SPURS HYTHE TO DRAMATIC 4 RUN VICTORY

Mondays Game @ KINGSBRIDGE

On day 2 Hythe travelled 23 miles up the coast to play Devon C Division side Kingsbridge. Kevs sat nav took the minibus up and down one lane roads in the middle of nowhere. When we finally climbed the hill we found this pretty ground completely on a slant.

It was here we found Hythe's 1 travelling supporter who came all the way from Cheshire to support the green caps after visiting the clubs website.

The lads hit the bar straight away whilst Bellie was still trying to get someone to take over the captaincy.

Hythe again elected to bat first with Guymer and Edwards opening the batting. Hythe got off to a decent start with Guymer hitting a straight six before being out for 14 with the score on 29. The skipper (Bellie) then came to the middle but was soon out for 3. 45 for 2 soon became 54 for 5 as Hythe lost Edwards (21) Tongs (1) and Froggett (first ball) in quick succession. Tongs and Froggett both falling to the home sides australian who was promptly taken off.

Kingsbridge turned to spin which was wayward at first and both Grobler and Bowman promptly both hit two balls for sixes. After a partnership of 40 Grobler was caught and bowled for 25 - Hythe now 94 for 6 and struggling. Bowman went soon afterwards for 17 but the James brothers once again rescued the green caps with a partnership of 67 in 7 overs before Robbie was bowled in the final over for 44. Dixon went first ball and Chiverton second to leave Kev James stranded on 54 not out and Hythe finishing on 205 all out from 39.4 overs.

After another excellent tea which included having scones and clotted cream sent out to the middle before the innings started, the home side openers set about Hythe with vengence. Mike Edwards went for 20 off just 3 overs and despite Froggett bowling another decent spell 0-28 off 8 Kingsbridge hurried to 95 for 0 off just 17 overs. Bellie kept his cool and introduced Grobler to the attack, 2 overs later Hythe claimed their first wicket at 95 when Etoe held out to Froggett off Grobler for 38. Skipper Ellis joined Inch who promptly reached a very classy fifty.

With the score on 124 Hythe claimed their second wicket when the jubilant Robbie James bowled Inch for 77. With 17 overs to go Kingsbridge needed just 77 to win. Watson joined Ellis and took the score onto 151 before Watson 8 was caught by Robbie James off the bowling of Chiverton. 12 overs to go Kingsbridge needing 51 with 7 wickets in hand - easy -not with Bellie ringing the changes in the field. Bellie brought back Guymer and 2 wickets promptly followed - Mike Bowman taking a catch and Guymer clean bowling Westlake for 0. 166 for 5. The score moved onto 181 for 5 (needing just 20) when Chiverton got 2 wickets in 2 balls with two top catches from Robbie James and Mike Edwards. James catch removing the aussie Watson who earlier took a nasty blow on the arm from Grobler. Score 181 for 7 but the Kingsbridge skipper was still there 41 not out and running out of partners..

With the rain starting and with Dixie saying it was colder than Ellingham last year - Hythe were now in with a chance. Bellie rung the changes again in the field. Then the prize wicket Ellis LBW bowled Chiverton for 41. Kingsbridge's 9th wicket then took the score to 194 before Symcock was caught by Froggett off Chiverton for 0 in the 39th over. Last over 1 wicket needed or 12 runs needed who would Bellie choose to bowl it. Nardus had 3 left but it was so dark and he had already hit the australian on the arm with a nasty blow. Guymer had used all his overs up. Decision 'The Guru'. First ball Browning swept to the boundary for 4 but Tongs had the last laugh as 2 balls later Hammett was run out for 5 and Hythe had won by 4 runs.

Innings of : HYTHE 205 All Out (39.4 Overs)

Innings of : KINGSBRIDGE 201 All Out (39.4 Overs)

( S.Inch 77, J.Ellis 41, V.Etoe 38)

HYTHE BOWLING