HYTHE 1ST XI VS OT'S & ROMSEY II

Toss : Won by Romsey

Hythe went into this game full of confidence after the previous weeks success but at too many times in the game the teams concentration levels switched off and despite a 87 opening partnership from the James brothers Hythes batting collapsed and yet again Paul Whitlock ran out of partners at the end. Hythe went down by 17 Runs.

Romsey won the toss and elected to bat first on a very dry wicket with a strong breeze hampering the bowlers early on. ( trying to think of excuses ).

Romsey got off to a good start well supported by Grobler who was all over the place in his first spell. Froggett continued to bowl tidely at the other end. With 30 on the board off just 6 overs Dixon brought on Kendrick to replace Grobler. With his first ball he claimed the opening wicket. Seven overs later with the score on 63 Richie Froggett got his first wicket of the season and Romsey were 63 for 2.

When asked what it was like to get his first wicket in 234 balls Richie said he was 'relieved'. We all know he deserved more.

After 17 overs Dixon reintroduced Grobler and two overs later he claimed the third wicket Kev James catching behind the stumps 73 for 3.

At this point everything started to go downhill. Kendrick bowling without much luck had two half chances put down by ' small hands Dixon'. The 100 came up in the 27th over and then the runs batsman started to find the gaps more freeley.

Ater 32 overs Romsey were 123 for 3 another chance went down in the deep - this time Grobler. Next over and Kendrick put down a chance in the deep. Frustration was begining to set in Paul Whitlock on numerous occasions beating the outside of the bat with no luck. 35 overs 150 for 3 as Iqbal reaches his fifty. 187 off 41 overs and Froggett returns to the attack. Mills misfields on the boundary and 4 runs.

Breakthrough Iqbal run out by Kev James. Froggett very difficult half chance caught and bowled and Romsey finish on 216 for 4 which included 23 extras ( mostly wides )

Reasonable target and now we were going to see how far this Hythe team bats down too. Kev and Robbie James got off to a flyer with 62 off the first 11 overs. Kev James was particularly looking in good nick but in the 16th over Hythe lost their first wicket with the score on 84 - Rob James out for 19. Two overs later and the skipper was back in the pavilion out for 1.

Kev James and Wrighty 27 pushed the score upto 138 for 2 off 25 and Hythe were still in the driving seat. Romsey swapped their bowling around frequently trying to get the breakthough. Then on comes Barney Hayes ( slower than Tony Woodhouse ). In the space of 5 overs Hythe lose Kev James 71, Guymer 0, Wright 27 and Kendrick1. 149 for 6.

Down to Grobler and Whitlock who push the score along before Grobler has a rush off blood - out for 18. 165 for 7 off 33.

52 to needed off 12. No problem if Froggie can stay there with Whits but 4 over later 182 for 8 - Froggie was he wasn't he ? LBW out for 8.

Just like Ryde a month ago Whits is left with the colts to win the game. Next over Moore is bowled and the writings on the wall 182 for 9. Luke Mills 6 stuck around and picking off the singles with Whitlock taking the score to 198 with 2 overs left.

Difficult to go for your shots as last pair and two balls later Mills was bowled Hythe all out for 199. Paul Whitlock standed on 25 not out.

Romsey win by 17 Runs and all the hard work by the James brothers waisted. Had it not been for those 24 wides / no balls we gave away - who knows. Romsey win there first game of the season but as there skipper said Hythe threw it away rather than Romsey winning it.

Innings of : OT's & Romsey 216 for 4 ( 45 Overs )

Innings of : Hythe 199 all out ( 43.3 Overs )