SKIPPER Richard Morris says finding some consistency will be a key factor for Bashley following their Jekyll and Hyde start to the season.
The New Forest outfit followed up their seven-wicket win over Burridge on the opening day with a dispiriting 55-run defeat at the hands of Premier Division rivals Alton, writes Neil Perrett, Bournemouth Echo.
Bashley had been favourites to record back-to-back victories after dismissing the Brewers for a modest 158 at the Bashley Cricket Ground.
Seamer Jake Lilley played a starring role with the ball and claimed five wickets as Alton struggled to gain any momentum after being put in by Morris.
Former Hampshire Academy prospect Lilley (5-37) received solid support from spinner Sam Thomson (2-22) with New Zealander Dewayne Bowden (45) the only Alton batsman to make an impression.
However, although Nick Baker (37) stuck to his task at the top of the order, Morris (13) and Tom Jacques (19) were the only other Bashley batsmen to reach double figures as they were routed for just 103.
Morris, who had hit an unbeaten 91 in the win against Burridge, told the Daily Echo: “It was a disappointing result on what was quite a difficult wicket.
“It was pretty much down to a lack of application from our batters, while Alton executed their game-plan perfectly and we deserved to be beaten.
“We played really well against Burridge and the challenge for us this season is going to be more consistent than we have.
“There comes a time when we have to start producing and today was a game I thought we should have won at half-time.
“We didn’t and it was disappointing. But we’ve got to dust ourselves down quickly and get going again.
“The reality with 50-over cricket is that you either win or lose games and can quickly be back on track with one or two victories.
“It is early days in the season. It wasn’t a great performance and we don’t want to make a habit of it. We need to move on and start thinking about next week.”
An enterprising opening spell from Lilley saw him remove openers Alex Hammond and Michael Heffernan to leave Alton on 30-2.
However, a fifth-wicket stand of 48 between Bowden and Abeed Janmohamed (22) ultimately proved decisive as Alton reached 158.
And after Ben Mortimer (3-26) had removed Michael Porter, Morris and Tom Andrews, Julian Ballinger (4-9) administered the final blows.
Morris added: “There are no complaints with the bowling department. But I still think there is another 10 or 20 per cent in the locker where we could be a bit better, especially in the field.
“Jake Lilley has had a difficult couple of years and has been in and out of the side. But I was really impressed with his attitude over the winter and his attitude so far this season has been excellent. He deserved his reward against Alton.”
The New Forest outfit followed up their seven-wicket win over Burridge on the opening day with a dispiriting 55-run defeat at the hands of Premier Division rivals Alton, writes Neil Perrett, Bournemouth Echo.
Bashley had been favourites to record back-to-back victories after dismissing the Brewers for a modest 158 at the Bashley Cricket Ground.
Seamer Jake Lilley played a starring role with the ball and claimed five wickets as Alton struggled to gain any momentum after being put in by Morris.
Former Hampshire Academy prospect Lilley (5-37) received solid support from spinner Sam Thomson (2-22) with New Zealander Dewayne Bowden (45) the only Alton batsman to make an impression.
However, although Nick Baker (37) stuck to his task at the top of the order, Morris (13) and Tom Jacques (19) were the only other Bashley batsmen to reach double figures as they were routed for just 103.
Morris, who had hit an unbeaten 91 in the win against Burridge, told the Daily Echo: “It was a disappointing result on what was quite a difficult wicket.
“It was pretty much down to a lack of application from our batters, while Alton executed their game-plan perfectly and we deserved to be beaten.
“We played really well against Burridge and the challenge for us this season is going to be more consistent than we have.
“There comes a time when we have to start producing and today was a game I thought we should have won at half-time.
“We didn’t and it was disappointing. But we’ve got to dust ourselves down quickly and get going again.
“The reality with 50-over cricket is that you either win or lose games and can quickly be back on track with one or two victories.
“It is early days in the season. It wasn’t a great performance and we don’t want to make a habit of it. We need to move on and start thinking about next week.”
An enterprising opening spell from Lilley saw him remove openers Alex Hammond and Michael Heffernan to leave Alton on 30-2.
However, a fifth-wicket stand of 48 between Bowden and Abeed Janmohamed (22) ultimately proved decisive as Alton reached 158.
And after Ben Mortimer (3-26) had removed Michael Porter, Morris and Tom Andrews, Julian Ballinger (4-9) administered the final blows.
Morris added: “There are no complaints with the bowling department. But I still think there is another 10 or 20 per cent in the locker where we could be a bit better, especially in the field.
“Jake Lilley has had a difficult couple of years and has been in and out of the side. But I was really impressed with his attitude over the winter and his attitude so far this season has been excellent. He deserved his reward against Alton.”