CURDRIDGE vs HYTHE XI

Saturday 25th April

HYTHE TESTED WITH LAST OVER WIN

Rob James - 81

Hythe recorded their first pre season win of the new season but were made to work hard for it against South East 1 side Curdridge. On an surprisingly excellent track for April, over 400 runs were scored - all credit to the Curdridge groundsman.

A 3rd wicket partnership of 118 between Rob James (81) and James Page (54) was the key factor for the Hythe win

Hythe included in their team Ian Prentice and Paul Quinnell for their debuts as Simon Dixon won the toss and elected to bowl first on what looked a good hard surface. Dixie opened with Jon Weall and Darren Miller and the first 6 overs cost just 6 runs. In the 7th Weallo got the breakthrough bowling Anthony for 4. The pair continued to bowl well and Weallo's opening 5 over spell went for just 1-11. Darren Miller also produced a good spell 0-10 off 5. In his final over Hythe got their second wicket when a direct throw from Simon Dixon ran out the experienced Prone for 22.

Curdridge's number 3 Craig Proctor looked a decent player (with respect too good for South East 1) and he soon began to lay into the Hythe bowling with some big shots. Hythe's next 6 overs from Richie Froggett and Ian Prentice went for 48 runs taking Curdridge to 73 for 2 off 16. Proctor went onto score a fine 77 which included 12x4's and 2x6's. He finally went with the score on 129 bowled by Matt Howe. Howe also removed Russell for 24 and his 8 over spell ended with 2-49.

Richie Froggett's final 5 overs went for just 9 runs and when Jon Weall returned he snapped up a second wicket bowling Bates for 6. Prentice took is first wicket after a fine piece of stumping by Kev James and Darren Miller finished with the most economical figures - 1-20 off 8 overs - a fine return to action for him.

Curdridge ended their 40 overs on 203 for 7 with A.Musedale 23 not out - a score that would be a good test for the Hythe players.

Rob James and Simon Dixon opened for Hythe and after a steady first 4 overs Dixon fell in the 5th - caught at square. The James brothers then took the score to 44 until Kev became Derek Candy's second wicket caught at cow for 2. The game then turned in Hythe's favour with a fine 118 run partnership between Robbie James and James Page. Pagey was out for a fine 54 (8x4's 1x6) which will give his skipper a batting order headache in 2 weeks time. The score at that time 162 for 3 and Hythe still needing 42 off 8. Rob James and debutant Paul Quinnell took the score upto 181 before James finally went caught off Emm for 81 (7x4's)

23 needed off 18 balls with Mike 'Magnum' Graham new to the crease. Only 4 off the next 6 balls and things look interesting, but a mighty 6 from Magnum meant just 4 needed off the final over. Hearts were racing as Quinnell missed the first 2 balls but a streaky 3 down to long on and a scrambled leg bye off the fourth ball gave Hythe a win in an excellent warm up match.

All credit to Curdridge and their skipper who gave 8 bowlers a run out in the game. Lets hope next time we visit Reading Room Lane they will be looking forward to County 4 cricket. As for Hythe - Dixie will still be racking his brain for his best bowling line up for May 9th and with Pageys 54 - he could have some new thoughts on the batting line up as well..

Innings of : CURDRIDGE 203 For 7 (40 Overs)

Hythe Bowling

Innings of : HYTHE 204 For 4 (39.4 Overs)

Curdridge Bowling