ASHURST vs HYTHE XI

Sunday 21st September

@ Boltons Bench, Lyndhurst

Bellie Magics Up Another Win From Claws of Defeat

If Dixie had Bellies luck as a skipper then we'd be in County1 by now. On a Sunny afternoon at Boltons Bench a youtfhul Hythe side beat Ashurst by 5 runs in a remarkable turn around which saw the homeside needing just 17 runs off the final 5 overs with 6 wickets in hand.

Matt Howe (60*) topped scored as Hythe scored 181 for 3 in their 35 over innings. Richard Last 39 and Sean Tongs 29 also chipped in with useful knocks. But it was Luke Mills 3-20 that did the biz and allow Bellie to come out on top in another close win.

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With the sun beating down on a scenic Boltons Bench - Bellie won the toss and elected to bat first in a 35 over game.

The skipper himself opened the batting with Sean Tongs and got the side off to a steady start on a slow and unpredictable pitch. At the 10 over mark Hythe moved onto 38 for 0 but soon after the skipper went bowled by Nory for 15. Tongs and Matt Howe moved the score onto 68 in the 19th over when the Guru (Tongs) was second out caught for 29.

Hythe needed an injection of fast runs in the final 16 overs and Howe joined by Richard Last gave them that spurt. The pair put on 76 in the next 10 overs with Last hitting 6x4's in a quick fire 39. Matt Howe brought up a very good fifty soon after and at the close Hythe had made 181 for 3- Matt Howe finishing on 60 not out (inc 5x4's) and Luke Mills 12 not out.

Bellie went out for the second period confident he had enough runs on the board and when Pete Stevens bowled Basri for 4 in the third over things were looking good. Hythe had to wait till the 9th over for the second wicket as Ashurst moved onto 40. Stevens again the wicket taker when Matt Young caught Nory behind for 13.

Stevens came off having bowled 6 overs 2-34 and Jonjo Stovell 0-21 off 5. Bellie brought on Kev McCarthy and Harry Smith (bowling leg spin) but 40 runs came off their first 6 overs as Ashurst forced there way back into the game. Our guys were finding fielding conditions difficult and Fonzy and Jonjo had another attraction in the ourfield as a dozen horses took a shine to Jonjo's red hair - I think. At the half way mark Ashurst were 107 for 2 off 18 overs and oncourse for a win.

74 was added for the 3rd wicket before Smith claimed the wicket of Hughes bowled for 45 - Ashurst 120 for 3 off 23 needing 62 off 12.

Chiv sends a message out to Bellie to sort it out as Hythe started to look shabby and what does he do - on comes Pagey to bowl. His first over went for 20 - Ashurst now needing just 42 off 11 overs. Puncheys first over goes for 7 and things look bleek as I retire to the bar for a diet coke. Come back out to see Bellies shown faith in Pagey and given him a second over to the delight of the Ashurst players behind me. Whats this no big run up but Pagey decides to try off spin. (well he said it was). 4th ball a wicket and a big one as Wick is bowled by Page for a very good 54. Only 2 runs came off the next two overs and the guys were clawing their way back into contention. Ashurst 147 for 4 now needing 35 off just 10 overs.

The next five overs go for just 18 as Hythe remove (rather Dave Agga) removes Collett run out for 7. Ashurst now 165 for 5 needing 17 off 5 overs. Only 4 comes off the 31st over and when 2 comes off Pageys next over Hythe raise the volumne in the field thinking that they could actually win the game. Big decisive over the 33rd as Mills claims the wicket of Sarisbury's Agga for 12 - well caught by Harry Smith. Just 3 off the over and Ashurst need 8 runs off 2 overs.

Bellie still shows his faith in Pagey and rightly so as he bowls out a maiden with everyone on their toes in the field. Final over and second ball Tuck stumped by Matt Young off Mills 174 for 7. Two dot balls then a 2 means a 6 needed off the final ball by Fixture Secretary Phil. Puncheys wise to the occasion and Phils stumped off the final ball for 2. Hythe win by 5 runs unbelievable - wish Dixie had that luck. Pagey finishes with 1-32 off 6 (or 1-12 off his last 5) and Punchey a match winning 3-20 off 6.

Great game played in a good spirit and thanks to Ashurst for playing their part. Great to see cricket back at Boltons Bench. And well done to our guys.

Anyone reading one game left next Sunday meeting 11.30 - we still need a number of players. If you'd like a game let Chiv know

Innings of : HYTHE 181 For 3 (35 Overs)

Innings of : ASHURST 176 FOR 8 (35 Overs)

(I.Wick 54, J.Hughes 41, A.Nory 13, D.Agha 12)

Hythe Bowling