Hants County Div 2

HYTHE 1st XI vs U.S PORTSMOUTH

Saturday 27th June

EDWARDS & HOWE STAR IN 1ST XI'S FIRST WIN IN NEW SPONSORS KIT

Matt Howe 75* inc 1x6, 10x4's	Mike Edwards 81 inc 16x4's

Hythe 1st XI's won their third game of the season against basement side U.S Portsmouth which pushed them out of the bottom three. U S Portsmouth surprisngly won the toss and decided to bat on a drying wicket. The servicemen made 200 for 5 off their 45 overs but a 2nd wicket partnership of 152 between Mike Edwards 81 and Matt Howe 75* saw the green caps home with 13 overs in hand.

Hythe took to the field at the request of the visitors. The opening pair survived the initial barrage of short stuff from Jon Weall and Nardus Grobler and put on 39 for the first wicket before Richie Froggett had Margetson caught for 12. G.Toms hit two boundaries before being next out at 61 - bowled by Rob Saunders for 10.

Weall's 7 over opening spell went for 28 and Groblers first spell lasted just 4 overs 0-12 before Robbie James rung the changes. 54 was put on for the third wicket before skipper Rose went caught behind off Grobler chasing a wide one M.Hare and D.Shaw then added another 60 in 9 overs taking the score upto 175 when Hare was very well caught by Froggett off Chalky White for 56. Only four overs left and W.Thom hit two boundaries before he was stumped by Kev James off the returning 10. U.S Portsmouth finishing on 200 for 5.

Hythe once again opened with a new opening partnership as Mike Edwards was promoted up the order to bat Robbie James. Just 2 balls into the game and James smashed the ball to mid wicket out for 0. That brought Matt Howe to the crease who smashed 6x4's and a six in his first 8 scoring shots. After that though Mike Edwards took stage smashing 50 off just 42 balls. The inexperiences Services attack had no answers and even Rose came from behind the stumps to have a bowl.

Howe then reached his fifty and at drinks (23 overs) the green caps were very well set at 138 for 1. At 152 though with both batsman looking set Mike Edwards was caught off Toms for a very good 81. (inc 16x4's). Richie Froggett joined Matt Howe and in 7 overs the game was all over, Matt Howe ending on 75* (inc 10x4's & 1x6) Richie Froggett finished on 19*

A good win for Hythe against a poor bowling attack it has to be said but a wins a win and a climb up the table.

Innings of : U.S PORTSMOUTH 200 For 5 (45 Overs)

Hythe Bowling

Innings of : HYTHE 204 For 2 (33 Overs)