HYTHE XI vs EASTLEIGH & OTTERBOURNE

Monday 4th May

HYTHE WELL BEATEN BY COUNTY 1 OPPOSITION

Hythe's Final Pre Season Friendly ended in disappointment as they were well beaten by County 1 side Eastleigh & Otterbourne.

Eastleigh batted first and scored 231 for 6 off their 42 overs. The Hythe bowlers toiled hard against a good batting side but once again could have done with one extra experienced bowler. In reply only Richie Froggett 36, Matt Howe 28, and Kev James 21 made any impact against some good tight bowling as Hythe finished on 171 for 9 some 60 runs short.

But a good game played in a very good spirit on a bitterly cold day. Well done to Eastleigh for a decent game and to their large group of spectators who braved the conditions.

For the third time in 3 days Hythe took to the field first and with next weeks top 4 batsman on show they went out hoping for early wickets.

Skipper Rob James opened up with Jon Weall coming up the hill and Rob Saunders coming down. Weall was impressive early on, missing the bat on numerous occasions and claiming the first wicket to fall Hills (9). Saunders meanwhile was struggling with the slope and was wided on numerous occasions in his first spell. Matt Howe replaced Weall and deservedly picked up the wickets of Kemp (37) and Matthews (16) whilst Froggett bowling down, gave nothing away and picked up Cole (0)

Hythe at this stage were looking a match for their County 1 opponents but with the change of Mills for Froggett the game turned. Punchey (who was well out of sorts) 4 overs went for 42 which meant Rob James then had to turn to himself to bowl. The Eastleigh middle order took control. Goodall went to 62 before Froggett returned to snap him up - caught by Tongs. Things got worse for Hythe when Rob James mis read a catch only smash onto his forehead. After a short break for ice & FAG he returned to continue his bowling spell. Tongs brilliantly run out Ranjan for 10 assisited by a good take by the skipper.

Eastleigh though ended their innings on a strong 231 for 6 despite top efforts from Froggett 2-32 off 8, Weall 1-35 off 9 and Matt Howe 2-38 off 9 who all put in a good afternoons work for the Green Caps.

In reply Hythe got off to the worst possible start having the inform Robbie James caught first ball. 3 overs later Hythe were 7-2 after Marc Daniels was caught for 3. With conditions difficult and up against some very tight bowling, Matt Howe and Kev James worked hard for 15 overs to get Hythe back in the game.

With the run rate getting out of hand Kev James tried to go over the top and was caught for 21. Mike Graham hit one lovely boundary before falling for (6) and Hythe were back in trouble 94 for 4 off 28 overs. Matt Howe was then bowled for a very good 28. With the game out of Hythe's reach, Eastleigh decided to give their younger bowlers a run out just in time for Richie Froggett to take the field Froggett looked in good nick hitting 36 in the processs. after that Hythe just played out the overs with only Jon Weall (12*) getting into double figures.

Hythe ending on 171 for 9 off their 42 overs - 60 runs short, but a good test against a side thats likely to finish mid table in County 1 this year.

So a win and 2 defeats for Hythe in pre season. But over the next 7 days plenty of issues for skipper Simon Dixon and his new Selection Committee to discuss. Lets hope with the leadership of the Chairman of Selectors - the First Team is picked on merit.

Innings of : EASTLEIGH & OTTERBOURNE 231 For 6 (42 Overs)

Hythe Bowling

Innins of : HYTHE 171 For 9 (42 Overs)

Eastleigh & Otterbourne