vs

WILL HYTHE'S GOOD RECORD FOR OPENING GAMES WIN OVER POOR CADNAM HISTORY

With everyone looking forward to May 8th and the opening game of the season - will Hythe's strong history of winning their league opener win over their poor record against their forest rivals Cadnam.

Hythe's record on the opening day of the season is good - In the last 10 years they have Won 8 and lost just 1 of the 9 games played. The one defeat yes you guessed it Cadnam back in 2003. However their record against Matt Maidens men isn't so good in the 6 played Hythe have only won once.

Back in 1999 when Whits was moulding together what turned out to be in a few years a promotion winning team Hythe County 4 game against Gosport Borough was abandoned with the game very evenly poised.

Hythe 135 for 5 (P.Whitlock 52*, R.Froggett 20) Gosport 79 for 7 (P.Whitlock 2-14, B.Kendrick 2-21, R.Froggett 2-25)

In 2000 the season when Hythe finished 8th after aussie Lee Fraser went home mid season - Hythe beat Sexton Gould by 5 wickets.

Hythe 138 for 5 (S.Wright 75*, I. Kenworthy 26) Sexton Gould 137 for 8 (M.Lefroy 3-28, P.Whitlock 2-18, M.Edwards 2-34)

Hythe remained unbeaten till facing Cadnam in the first week of June. Damp conditions the game was won on the toss and when Cadnam put Hythe into bat the game was over by 4pm.

Hythe 46 all out Cadnam 47 for 1 (P.Whitlock 1-12)

In 2001 there was no meeting as Cadnam were promoted the season before, but Hythe who romped to a 13-0 chamionship winning season thrashing beating U.S Portsmoth on the opening day thanks to terrific 7-7 performance from skipper Paul Whitlock.

U.S Portsmouth 85 all out (P.Whitlock 7-7) Hythe 88 for 1 (R.James 39*, W.Effeny 37*)

In 2002 Hythe won promotion again by finishing 2nd to Fair Oak losing just one game in the process. The opening game thanks to Eugene Burzler 5-12 they beat Easton & Martyr by 5 wkts. Easton & M.W 135 all out (E.Burzler 5-21, R.Froggett 3-21) Hythe 136 for 5 (S.Tongs 46, S.Dixon 37)

Hythe Won by 5 Wkts

In 2003 with Hythe and Cadnam back in County 2 together and faced each other on the opening game of the season. In a rain effected game Cadnam strolled to victory. Hythe 143 for 8 (R.James 38, P.Whitlock 18*) Cadnam 80 for 1. Hythe were to recover and after back to back promotions ended the season in a respectable 8th position.

In 2004 Hythe were again due to face Cadnam on the opening game of the season but rain took its toll. In a rain effected season and with a 8-4 record Hythe finished 5th. Some will say they bottled promotion after losing their last 3 games played.

In 2005 Hythe again won their league opener. This time against Waterlooville. Waterlooville 179 for 6 (R.Froggett 2-38, S.Wright 2-37) Hythe 180 for 7 (R.James 75, K.James 34, S.Tongs 26).

Another poor August saw Hythe lose 3 of the 4 games played to finish 11th including a Cadnam thrashing which saw them promoted to County 1. Cadnam 300 for 6 (R.Froggett 2-45) Hythe 201 all out (S.Dixon 38, C.Clemons 32, S.Wright 30, A.Taylor 30)

In 2006 Hythe's opener against Langley Manor was washed out at tea to the disappointment of Froggie and co who fancied their chances of a win.

In tricky conditions skipper Simon Dixon made a very good 59. Hythe 193 for 9 (S.Dixon 59, K.James 35, S.Wright 24) Hythe had a good 8-4 season to finish 5th.

In 2007 - and with Cadnam now back in County 2. Hythe won their opener impressively by 3 wkts. New Milton II 118 all out (R.Froggett 4-25, B.Kendrick 4-31) Hythe 119 for 3 (D.Guymer 33*, R.James 27, K.James 25)

Hythe faced Cadnam in August when they were 2nd in the league and well set for promotion to the big league. Cadnam 155 all out (B.Kendrick 2-28, R.Froggett 2-37, P.Whitlock 2-15) Hythe 156 for 7 (G.Grobler 73*, R.James 39, S.Wright 23). Hythe Winning by 3 Wkts but as we all know thanks to a little man from the Island Hythe's last days cheers turned to jeers with 2 runs needed and Hythe finished 4th.

In 2008 - The Green Caps made the long trip to Liphook first game. Hythe winning by 36 runs. Hythe 230 for 4 (R.James 65, S.Dixon 57, M.Howe 41*, K.James 33) Liphook & Ripsley II 194 all out (J.Weall 4-18, L.Mills 2-39)

In a season dominated by australian Ben Green Cadnam pulled of the shock of the season winning the New Forest Presidents Cup. The first Hampshire League side to win the trophy over the Southen League sides. Hythe (8th) played Cadnam (4th) in the league in August and when Green was out for a duck Dixon's men must have fancied their chances. But they couldn't cope with his bowling Cadnam winning by 15 runs.

Cadnam 104 for 8 (J.Weall 3-32, S.Wright 2-16, R.Froggett 2-18) Hythe 89 all out (K.James 17, R.Last 15, R.Froggett 14)

In 2009 - Another good start to the season by the Green Caps with new bot Rob Saunders taking 5-14. Hamble A.S.S.C 103 all out (R.Saunders 5-14, J.Weall 2-28, L.Mills 2-33) Hythe 104 for 7 (R.Froggett 45, K.James 20, M.Howe 15) Hythe Winning by 3 Wkts

Cadnam again getting the win in a hard fought game but aussie Sean Durston-Ryan carrying his bat for 85* made the difference. Hythe 188 For 6 (R.Froggett 60, K.James 30, M.Edwards 24*, J.Page 23) Cadnam 190 for 7 (R.Saunders 2-41). Cadnam finished the season in 8th place with Hythe 11th.

So come May 8th whose going to predict the outcome of this game. Cadnam will have their new aussie on show. Scott Waterman has joined them from Greenvale Cricket Club- the same club they got ex overseas players Dale McDonald and Andrew Pizzaro from so he's going to be decent, and Matt's called on his side to attend circuit training sessions each week to get his side in shape. Can't see Dixie agreeing to that but one things for sure - Dixie's never had so many players to choose from..