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Welcome to Vimps at the Crease

...a website by Mike Vimpany, Fareham based sports writer, for the latest news on recreational cricket across the Wessex region.

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ACADEMY PAIR SET FOR WEST INDIES ODI YOUTH SERIES

7/11/2025

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Hampshire Academy pair Manny Lumsden and Ben Mayes are packing their bags in readiness for the Young Lions' Under-19 Youth International Series against the USA and the West Indies, starting in Grenada on Sunday week, November 16.
England, who also include Winchester College educated Seb Morgan,  are scheduled to play seven ODIs on the idyllic Caribbean island.
The tri-series tournament forms part of England's preparation for the 2026 ICC Under-19 CWC in Namibia and Zimbabwe.​ 
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VIC MARKS FOR DORSET CRICKET SOCIETY'S THURSDAY LUNCH

5/11/2025

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​Vic Marks, the former Somerset & England off-spin bowler, is the Dorset Cricket Society's Guest at Hurn Bridge, Christchurch on Thursday, 1.45pm.
He retired in 1989 and was the cricket correspondent for The Observer for 31 years.
He has been a regular and much-loved part of the Test Match Special team as a summariser since 1990. Marks plans to talk about England captains from Mike Brearley to Ben Stokes (the subject of his new book) and all things topical including the upcoming Ashes Series in Australia. 
​If you're free, why not pop along for what should be an enthralling afternoon.

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TROPHY WINNING DORSET CAPTAIN LEAVES BOURNEMOUTH

4/11/2025

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Luke Webb punches of the back foot at Havant.
Bournemouth opening batsman Luke Webb is set to play Dorset Premier League cricket with Wimborne next summer.
The 29-year old has been at Chapel Gate for the past seven seasons, having enjoyed a stellar 2025 season in charge of Dorset.
Webb joins after seven impressive seasons with Bournemouth, where he established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the ECB Southern Premier League, scoring 2,153 runs after previous spells with the Hampshire Academy and Bashley (Rydal). 
He did, however experience a disappointing past season with Bournemouth, scoring only 272 runs, with a top score of 71 not out coming against Basingstoke & North Hants 
Under Webb’s captaincy, however, Dorset have transformed from a side battling for consistency into one of the leading National Counties. 
The 2025 season saw them lift the NCCA 50-over trophy, finish runners-up in both the T20 and three-day competitions, and top the combined rankings across all formats — officially making them the top ranked National County.
Webb is already very familiar with Wimborne, having captained Dorset in numerous home games at The Leaze. The ground has become known as one of the region’s best batting surfaces, expertly maintained by Colin Randall, who also works for the AFC Bournemouth ground staff.
With the departure of overseas star Yatin Ramesh — who scored over 800 runs last season — Webb will bring valuable experience and stability at the top of the order. The 29-year-old brings both proven quality and leadership to Wimborne’s top order following a stellar year in charge of Dorset.
Dorset champions in 2024, Wimborne finished second in the league behind Dorchester and runners-up in the T20 competition in 2025, going unbeaten in their final eight matches.
Speaking about his move, Webb said: “I’ve spent a lot of time at Wimborne over the last few seasons with Dorset and have been really impressed with the way the club is run. It’s clear the club are very ambitious. The Leaze is a top-class ground, the senior sides are motivated to succeed and the youth set-up is thriving. It’s an exciting time to join.
“I hope to contribute to Wimborne’s ambitions on the field, as well as using my experience to help develop the younger players.
“I really enjoyed my time at Bournemouth and wish them every success moving forward.
“2026 will be my eighth season as captain of Dorset. 2025 was successful and memorable but we want to kick on and sustain our success over a long period of time. We have a squad full of talent that I have so much belief in. It’s a very positive time for Dorset Cricket at all levels.”
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Luke Webb in action for Dorset at South Wilts (Roy Honeybone]
​imborne captain Ben Bridgen said the signing is a significant moment for the club: “It came a bit out of the blue when Webby got in touch saying he fancied a chat. It was a no-brainer — he’s a class act and will bring huge experience to the squad. It’s a high-profile signing for the club and shows how far we’ve come in recent years. The lads are buzzing to have him on board.”
Looking ahead, Bridgen confirmed Wimborne are still exploring an overseas option for 2026: “The door’s always open, but we don’t go chasing players. We’ve got a great group already and a really talented bunch of U15s coming through who’ll be pushing for places soon. We’d like to bring in another overseas player, but as always, it’s about finding the right fit for the club.”
Meanwhile, vice-captain Harry Fairchild is currently spending the winter in Melbourne, Australia, where he’s begun impressing with both bat and in the field with Coburg in the Victoria Sub-District competition.
The Millfield schooled Fairchild, who also captains Dorset Under-18s, is gaining valuable experience overseas and will return ahead of the new season to help lead Wimborne’s Premier League campaign.
With Webb’s arrival, Fairchild’s ongoing development, and a wave of talented young players breaking through, Wimborne look well placed to mount another serious challenge in 2026 — both on the pitch and as one of Dorset’s most ambitious and forward-thinking clubs.
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Harry Fairchild [Stephen Nicholls]
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PREMIER LEAGUE CRICKETER HITS CAREER BEST 155 NOT OUT

3/11/2025

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​Old Tauntonians & Romsey all-rounder Joe Vaughan cracked an unbeaten career best 155 for his adopted Melbourne club Bentleigh against Southern Bayside League rivals Hampton. 
​His knock contained 17 fours and helped Bentleigh post 316-7 off 80 overs.  It was Vaughan's second hundred in Australia, where he also wintered last year.
'I would say the standard of the Southern Bayside League is comparable to lower echelons of SPL but most teams have good overseas players to bring the standards up. The turf pitches and outfields are used for Aussie Rules, but already in good nick', Vaughan said.
Hampton will begin their reply on day two this Saturday.
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HAMPSHIRE INDOOR SIXES CHAMPIONSHIPS

31/10/2025

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The Hampshire indoor six-a-side championships are to take place in the Utilita Bowl school on Saturday 1 November, with Longparish facing OTs & Romsey at 10am, and Waterlooville playing Easton &Martyr Worthy in the second semi-final.
The eventual winners from the 12.30pm county final will receive the Gerry Oxlade Trophy and represent Hampshire in the 2026 ECB indoor championships. 
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DORSET CRICKET SOCIETY WELCOMES ROLAND BUTCHER

29/10/2025

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​Former Middlesex & England batsman Roland Butcher is the Dorset Cricket Society' speaker at Hurn Bridge on Wednesday, 1.45pm. 
He will be promoting his new book Breaking Barriers, copies of which he'll have available for sale. Potential new members are most welcome.   Among the numerous topics will be that explosive over bowled to Sir Geoffrey Boycott by Michael Holding in Barbados in 1981.
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BASHLEY [RYDAL] BATTER SHINES DOWN UNDER

28/10/2025

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Dorset and Bashley (Rydal) cricketer Will Tripcony [pictured] top scored with 63 as his adopted Melbourne club  Elsternwick beat Victoria Sub-District North Division rivals Plenty Valley.
The tall, upright batter struck three sixes and seven fours to help Elsternwick post 185. Plenty Valley were dismissed for 158.
Team-mate Michael Porter had to be treated for pad rash after sitting in the Victoria sun while Brunswick's fourth-wicket pair piled up century-plus partnership which took them past Strathmore's 253-9.  He did at least take a catch off Dan Goodey's bowling.
Wimborne's Harry Fairchild has made an encouraging at Coburg, making 50 v Preston and 45 v Kew.
OTs & Romsey spin all-rounder Joe Vaughan cushioned the disappointment of a fifth ball duck by taking 3-27 to help Bentleigh to an emphatic win over Southern Bayside opponents Heatherton.
In the Cricket Victoria Premier League, Hampshire's Finn Gordon made 20 as South Melbourne reached 303 all out against Melbourne, who were 44-2 at stumps on day one.
Sidelined with a finger injury, Bournemouth's Ben Rogers spent the day scoring - but got a free tea for his endeavours ! 
Basingstoke & North Hants cricketer George Metzger made 43 as Newcastle City posted 294 against Wests, who were dismissed for 175.
Hampshire's Fletcha Middleton was dismissed for 0 and one his last two knocks for Belmont, while Dom Kelly has so far twice played in losing sides in the WACA Premier competition in Perth.
Bournemouth and Dorset left-arm spinner Conor Smith wheeled away for 33 overs and finished with a pleasing 5-133 return as his Ringwood & District CA side Montrose chased down Ainslie Park's 274 and win by five wickets.  
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Bournemouth's Conor Smith, marathon 33-over spell
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SOUTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE : 2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

28/10/2025

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​The ECB Southern Premier League will hold its AGM at the Totton & Eling CC, Southern Gardens on Wednesday 19 November at 7 o'clock.
Division 1 clubs have been asked their opinion on starting 2026 season matches at 11 o'clock.  They currently begin at 12.30pm.
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FERNDOWN WAYFARERS PROMOTION CONFIRMED

22/10/2025

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Ferndown Wayfarers - Southern Premier League bound.
Ferndown Wayfarers, Hampshire League champions twice in the past three seasons, have been promoted, along with Sarisbury Athletic II, into the fourth tier of Southern Premier League cricket next season.
They failed to meet the Premier League’s accreditation criteria when they won it in 2023, but improved ground markings at Dolman’s Farm and work carried to the pavilion and showers has given them the nod this time around.
Ferndown dominated the Hampshire League this summer, winning 14 of their 17 completed games. Opener James Stephenson led the batting charts with 535 runs, with skipper Eric Linge and Tom Mullings, who made 135 against Sarisbury, each scoring 453.
Miles Lewis (28 wickets), Daryl Baines (27) and Freddie Pittaway (26) all featured strongly in the HL bowling charts.
Ferndown will face Alton II, Fareham & Crofton, Hartley Wintney, Hook & Newnham Basics II, Hursley Park, Odiham & Greywell, Sarisbury Athletic II, St Cross Symondians II, and Trojans in SPL3 next summer.
They are all 50-over red ball matches.    
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BASINGSTOKE & NORTH HANTS UPGRADE BOUNTY OUTFIELD

22/10/2025

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No snow but the May's Bounty outfield resembled a beach after being covered with 100 tons of sand !
Basingstoke & North Hants have removed the top surface of the entire cricket outfield at May’s Bounty following problems there this past summer.
The ground has been scarified, disc seeded with 100 tons of sand laid on the surface, leaving  head groundsman Richard Vinn anxious for plenty more rain to bind the new growth together.
“Until recently, we hadn’t experienced any meaningful rain since last February,” he explained. “Some parts died off over the winter.
“The general consensus was a compaction of the soil and a layer of thatch beneath the surface that caused that issue. The scorching hot weather on top of that just made things worse.” 
Mr Vinn and his grounds team toiled manfully to provide seemingly endless cricket all summer long.
“Anywhere between 70-80 matches were played on the main square, plus a handful of kids games on the outfield, ie Under-9s and school competitions.
“We hosted league games every Saturday, plus twice weekly Guy Jewell T20 cup ties, and later in August Hampshire pathway matches, so there was no let up.
“Due to the fine weather there would have been a pitch prepared virtually every day. In a normal year you'd get the odd day off for rain but not this year.
The adjoining Castle Field cricket square was Koroed on top of normal renovations, ie (2-3 inches shaved off). 
“The outfield took two days to scarify, seed and top dress (100 tons). Both outfields and the rugby field will be spiked once the ground softens up a bit,” Vinn added.
“It's greened up a lot over the last couple of weeks. Once it gets cut it should start looking like it should again. Fingers crossed...
Basingstoke will play ‘white ball’ Southern Premier League cricket in 2026, following this season’s relegation from the ECB Premier League.
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Sun and plenty of rain has transformed May's Bounty into its old self ..
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FAREHAM & CROFTON YOUTH COORDINATOR'S AWARD

21/10/2025

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Long serving Fareham & Crofton cricket youth coordinator Gordon Selbie has been rewarded by the local Council for his services to young people's sport in the Borough.
Approaching a youthful 80 years of age and still full of enthusiasm, Mr Selbie has been involved with colts cricket at Bath Lane for 35 years and next season will have his hands fuller than ever with Fareham running ten junior teams. including girls sides for the first time.
"There's a lot of organising to do, but it's very rewarding when you see home grown youngsters progressing into the senior teams - and making their mark," he smiled. 
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CHRIS COWDREY SPEAKS AT HAMPSHIRE CRICKET SOCIETY

20/10/2025

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Chris Cowdrey, Kent and England, will be the Hampshire Cricket Society’s speaker at the Romsey Golf Club this coming Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 at 2:00pm. His subject will be ‘The Cowdrey Dynasty’.
Tim Shutt, Director of the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation, is the guest speaker at Dorset's weekly meeting  at Hurn Bridge on Thursday, 1.45pm.

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FINN GORDON HITS DOUBLE CENTURY - THEN TAKES WICKETS

19/10/2025

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Finn Gordon 206* in Victoria first grade
​Hampshire Academy cricketer Finn Gordon has already made an indelible mark in the demanding arena of Australian grade cricket despite only having arrived in Melbourne little more than three weekends ago.
The 18-year old left-hand opening batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler is spending the winter with Casey South Melbourne, one of the country’s top grade clubs, who have former Australia Test pace bowler Damien Fleming among their coaching mentors.
It didn’t take Gordon long to make his mark !
Bowling in South Melbourne’s opening Cricket Victoria match against Frankston Peninsular, Gordon took 4-39 in ten overs, his four victims were top seven batsmen.
South Melbourne went on to win by six wickets, Gordon making 22.
In the second round of first grade matches, Gordon really turned on the style, hitting a magnificent and unbeaten double century for Casey South Melbourne against Melbourne University.
He hit 206 not out, including two sixes and 17 fours as SM posted a formidable 393-2.  When play resumed, Gordon took 3-59, including the university's two top scorers, as the students fell to 149 all out. 
Gordon explained: “Last Saturday was pretty special for me to be honest, some of the best red ball cricket I’ve played for a long time. The standard is great, a good challenge against some proper players and different conditions. 
“I’ve just tried to keep a clear head since being out here and almost trying to be a sponge with the information that I’ve been given from our coaches and players.
                                                                                   Encouraging 
“I am  learning a lot from just opening the batting with Ash Chandrasinghe, as I really want to develop over the next six months. I want to try and understand myself as a cricketer the best I can.”
Gordon, who enjoyed Dorset’s success in the National Counties this past summer, heaped praise on Will Carr, South Melbourne’s head coach.
“He’s been great and has been really encouraging. Will’s backed me the whole way which is nice when you feel trusted,” he added.
Gordon, who left Clayesmore School as a 16-year old to concentrate making cricket his career, admitted that batting the whole CSM innings of 393-2 wore him out.
“There was way too much running and I’ve never been so tired in my life. A day later and I literally wasn’t able to move. 
“But overall the experience so far has been great and CSM are a proper side and I’m just only looking to improve as much as I can.”
Gordon’s maiden double century - a remarkable feat for an English teenager playing Australian first grade cricket - certainly impressed Will Carr, who described his innings as a “privilege to watch and something quite special.”
He reflected: “In the short time Finn has been with us, I’ve been extremely impressed with his maturity, clarity, and awareness of his own game — particularly for someone so young.
“His innings had all the hallmarks of a seasoned professional. He showed a real ability to work through the gears — batting with terrific intent throughout, but also demonstrating excellent patience and composure.
“Finn has wonderful hands and a full range of shots, all of which were on display — from delicate late cuts to textbook cover drives and commanding pull shots. It was a complete innings, played with poise, control, and class.
“And as spectacular a feat his 206 not was against Melbourne University, he also looks to be a very talented off spinner. And he seems to be a real natural in the field.
“If he continues to apply himself the way he has, there’s no question Finn will go a long way in the game.”
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DAN GOODEY BLAST IN VAIN ... JOE VAUGHAN MATCH WINNER

15/10/2025

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Dan Goodey hits out - Roy Honeybone
Bashley (Rydal) all-rounder Dan Goodey struck an innings saving half-century but was unable to spare Brunswick, his adopted Australian club from losing their opening Victoria CA Sub-District match to Ormerod. 
Brunswick were 89-6 when Goodey hit three sixes in an unbeaten 55, but his team's 180-9 was easily overhauled.  Bashley team-mate Michael Porter made 13, while Dorset's Greg Willows and Bournemouth raised Jamie Price played for Ormerod.
Bournemouth left-arm spinner Conor Smith has switched to play for Montrose this winter and took 2-29 on debut.  Team-mate Ben Rogers ended up in A & E in a Melbourne hospital after suffering a finger injury during East Keilor's defeat by local rivals Keilor Park.  Rogers, spending a third and final winter Down Under before he gets a job, was caught and bowled for 4 and later took a catch - but was later whisked off to hospital by Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service. He returned to the club with his arm in a sling and finger heavily strapped up. A medical update is awaited.
Old Tauntonians & Romsey spin all-rounder Joe Vaughan led Bentleigh to a big win, making 77.

*If you are a Southern Premier League cricketer wintering in Australia please get in touch if/when you have a good day in the grade matches.
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BASINGSTOKE'S GEORGE METZGER JOINS NEWCASTLE

10/10/2025

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George Metzger
Award winning Basingstoke & North Hants cricketer George Metzger has joined Newcastle - but it’s only for the upcoming Australian winter season !
He has flown to Northern New South Wales to play for Newcastle City in the state premier league and will debut in Saturday’s T20 double headers against Carlton and Northern Districts.
It’s unlikely Metzger, who topped Basingstoke's batting charts this summer,  will be behind the stumps due to a sore back. 
Hampshire’s Fletcha Middleton will be following in his father’s footsteps when he debuts for rivals Belmont against Waratah-Mayfield at the club’s seaside Cahill Oval.
Tony Middleton played for Belmont in his early 20s, spending two seasons at the club.
Fair Oak spin all-rounder Conor Gibson plays Belmont having made 428 runs and taken 21 wickets in SPL1 cricket this past season.
Bashley (Rydal) pair Dan Goodey and Michael Porter are plying their trade in Victoria Sub-District cricket for Brunswick against Ormond, who have two familiar Dorset faces in their side.
Greg Willows and one-time Bournemouth batsman Jamie Price are listed by Ormond.
Joe Vaughan, who enjoyed a fine end to the OTs & Romsey season, is spending a second consecutive winter in Melbourne’s South Bayside League with Bentleigh.
Hampshire pair Toby Albert and Dom Kelly will shortly be headed to Perth to play in the WACA Grade competition - Albert for a third winter at Joondalup and Kelly at Melville, alongside the Swan River.   
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DORSET CRICKET SOCIETY SEASON POISED TO BEGIN

7/10/2025

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​Jim Graham-Brown, who played county cricket for Kent & Derbyshire as well as Minor Counties for Cornwall and Dorset, is the Dorset Cricket Society's opening day speaker at the Hurn Bridge Social Club (aka Christchurch FC) on Thursday at 1.45pm.
He then had a career in education culminating in being headmaster of two schools first in Cornwall and then Bath. On his retirement he took up writing plays, including two for the PCA, one about Colin Milburn, the other about Chris Lewis.  Jim comes highly recommended.
Among the Autumn term speakers are former Middlesex batsman Roland Butcher, Hampshire & South Africa cricketer Kyle Abbott, Vic Marks, ECB Match referee Mike Smith (ex-Gloucestershire & England), Sussex coach Paul Farbrace and former Tasmania cricketer and now Somerset Chief Executive Jamie Cox.  
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HAMPSHIRE ACADEMY PAIR SELECTED FOR ENGLAND U19 TOUR

2/10/2025

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Hampshire Academy duo Ben Mayes and pace bowling all-rounder Manny Lumsden have been selected for England Under-19s seven-match tour to the Caribbean island of St Vincent next month where they will play ODIs against the West Indies and the USA.
The tournament, in which Winchester College talent Seb Morgan will also be involved, forms an important part of England's preparation for the next ICC Under-19 World Cup to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe in January.
The Hampshire pair both made their county debuts in his summer's Metro Bank One Day Cup, with Mayes earning a multi-year professional contract.
They also represented England U19s earlier this summer and played alongside one another in two matches against Bangladesh U19s.
In the One-Day Cup, Mayes marked his debut with a half-century whilst Lumsden claimed figures of 3-64, both against Glamorgan in Neath and helped Hampshire to the final of the competition at Trent Bridge.
For England U19s in 2025, Mayes has scored 290 runs at an average of 32 whilst Lumsden has taken three wickets in as many matches.
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ROLAND BUTCHER OPENS NEW HAMPSHIRE SOCIETY SEASON

29/9/2025

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Former Middlesex & England batsman Roland Butcher is the Hampshire Cricket Society' speaker when the new winter season opens at the Romsey Golf Club on Wednesday 1 October at 2pm. 
He will be promoting his new book Breaking Barriers, copies of which he'll have available for sale. Potential new HCS members are most welcome.
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HAMBLEDON VILLAGE CUP VICTORS LIFT TROPHY - AGAIN !

23/9/2025

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​Hambledon's 110-run semi-final defeat by Foxton Granta was cushioned when the powerful Cambridgeshire club thrashed Cheshire's Stayley by 145 runs to lift the Voneus Village Cup for the second year running and so became the fifth team to defend the trophy at Lord's.
In the process, Richard Kaufman (bowled by Ian Turner for seven in he semi-final) became the first player in the competition's history to score a second hundred in the final as he smashed 122 to underpin Foxton's 265-4. 
Stayley struggled to get anywhere near the target as they were bowled out for just 120.
South Wilts raised Josh Croom, who plies his left-arm trade in Cornwall these days, made his Lord's debut in the ECB National Club Championship but affluent Penzance lost the final by 25 runs to Ormskirk. Croom bowled a wicketless five overs for 29 runs and later got a seventh ball duck.  
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MARK SMITH, PORTSMOUTH & SOUTHSEA RUN LEGEND

15/9/2025

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PictureMark Smith, The News
Local recreational cricket has said farewell to Portsmouth & Southsea legend Mark Smith, a prolific top order batsman, who scored almost 50,000 runs for the club in 33 seasons.
An accountant by profession and typically meticulous with his cricket statistics, Mr Smith died suddenly last month, aged 62 years, leaving club members in shock.
A true gentleman on and off the field, Mark was equally dedicated to preparing pitches at St James’s Park as he was to scoring hundreds of runs on them at weekends.
Alongside his brother Simon, Mark began his cricket career as a colt at Waterlooville before switching to Cowplain, where he spent 12 seasons, chalking up his maiden century in 1979.
He joined Portsmouth Enterprise in 1981 and, after the club became Portsmouth & Southsea, played a lead role in its eventual elevation to the Southern Premier League.
His best years were arguably between 1990 and 2002, with top three finishes seven times in the Hampshire League batting charts, topping the averages in 1993, 1996 and again in 2000.
1996 was Mark’s most prolific year, seeing him score a phenomenal 2,755 runs, with six centuries and an average of 114.79.
He captained Portsmouth & Southsea across two separate spells and was equally proficient behind the stumps, claiming close on 1,250 catches, 417 of them stumpings.
Mark retired in 2014 with career statistics of 49,137 runs, a highest score of 148 not out among his 39 hundreds. He made fifty or more 306 times.
Reflecting on Mark Smith’s career, P & S chairman and long time batting partner Sean Kanavan said: “He featured hugely in my learning of the game as, for a number of years, he was my only batting partner. 
“Occasionally we would walk out together, usually I’d join him at the crease but you could bet your house he’d still be there when I left it !
“He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. A true gentleman and a club legend.”

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BASINGSTOKE & NORTH HANTS WIN UNDER-19 CUP THRILLER

14/9/2025

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Basingstoke celebrate U19 cup final win [Ian Thacker]
Basingstoke & North Hants held their nerve to snatch a dramatic one-run win over Hursley Park and win the inaugural Hampshire Loveless Under-19 Shield.
They defended 152 by the skin of their teeth, Hursley losing two wickets off the last three balls of their innings - both to run outs - to finish 151-8, one run short of Basingstoke score.
Hursley went into Abilash Nanthakumar’s final over needing nine runs to win. They took four runs off four balls then, after a fifth ball run out, required four to tie and win by virtue of least wickets lost.
A chaotic finale saw Hursley Park finish one run short, having suffered two run outs off two of the last three balls of the innings.
While Basingstoke celebrated, Hursley reflected on an opportunity missed, the visitors having looked firm favourites to lift the trophy at 108-2 on the back of an unbeaten half-century by Oliver Brimble (50) and Arthur Bryant (26).
Bryant’s dismissal triggered a collapse which saw six wickets fall for 43 runs.
Neil Shelar’s 51 not out, aided by Jack Smith (25), underpinned Basingstoke’s 152 all out, Patel Bhavyk (3-59) and Ben Lax (3-14) taking the bowling credits for Hursley Park.
Sixteen clubs participated in the inaugural Under-19 competition, named in memory of Vic Loveless, the one-time doyen of New Forest cricket.
Basingstoke beat Fleet, Hook & Newnham Basics and Rowledge in the lead up rounds, with Hursley Park knocking out Andover, Compton & Chandler’s Ford and Hambledon.
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ST CROSS SYMONDIANS RUN GUN WINS 'CRICKETER' AWARD

10/9/2025

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​St Cross Symondians second team captain Harry Trussler was named the round 18 and final Southern Premier League's Cricketer of the Week after scoring an unbeaten 103 in the abandoned Division 3 match against Alton II.
It was his third successive hundred and made him the first St Cross player to hit 1,000 competitive runs in a season. He is also now the club’s leading century maker with 12 tons, ahead of Jimmy Adams on 11    
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HAMPSHIRE YOUNGSTERS HELP ENGLAND U19s TO WIN

9/9/2025

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Hampshire teens Manny Lumsden and Ben Mayes played their part in England Under-19s series levelling Youth International victory over Bangladesh, whom they beat by  four wickets at Loughborough.
The pacey Lumsden (2-19) took two top order wickets - one a magnificent one-hand catch by wicketkeeper Joe Moores - while Mayes hit 30 as England chased down 279 to win.  The next ODI is at Bristol today, Tuesday.
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SPIN DUO HEAD PREMIER ONE BOWLING CHARTS

8/9/2025

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Aussie Justin Felsch (left above) and Havant skipper Chris Morgan, right, ended the season with six-wicket hauls to finish the leading pair of bowlers in Southern Premier Division One.
Felsch, who helped Bankside lift the New South Wales Second Grade title in Sydney last winter, took his season’s tally to 38 with a 6-42 haul against third placed Hambledon, who were dismissed for 165 (Henry Glanfield 46) before the rain set in with Rowledge 13-0.
With overseas players ineligible for the annual awards, Morgan will tread the red carpet at next month’s gala Southern Premier League dinner on account of his 36 wickets.
He ran amok against visiting Ventnor, returning 6-28 as the islanders’ were skittled for 81.  Havant were 15-1 when cricket gave way to a Mexican hat dance.
Hambledon’s South African spin all-rounder Justin Behrens said his Ridge Meadow farewells with a 35-wicket haul.
There were sighs of relief for Fair Oak, who retained their SPL1 status after their final match of the season at OTs & Romsey, was abandoned due to persistent rain.
Oaks needed to avoid a heavy defeat to safeguard their status, but that’s nearly what they had to endure.  Four of the top five bagged ducks as the fired-up hosts, also in relegation peril, reduced them to 9 for 4. Rhys Wathen (3-18) and Joe Vaughan (3-30) were the bowlers to do the damage.
Joe Lewis stood firm, however.  The opening batsman, who joined Oaks from St Cross at the start of the season, carved out an intrepid 26 runs from 80 balls as he and Sam Reed staved off disaster.  The in-form Reed went on to make 55, but a further collapse, from 95 for 5 to 118 for 8, put the lower order under pressure.  In the end Oaks had reached 124 for 8, with Rhys Oxley and Lewis Goodyear at the crease, when the umpires were forced to bring the curtain down on the season with seven overs of the first innings left.
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KAMRAN DHARIWAL BLASTS 124 OFF 43 BALLS IN T20 FINAL

8/9/2025

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Kam Dhariwal hits the last of his 13 sixes. Jon Player photo.
Kamran Dhariwal hit a sensational 124 off 43 balls as St Cross Symondians celebrated a Southern Premier League championship and T20 Cup winning double with a crushing 170-run victory over Lymington at the Green Jackets ground.
Dhariwal, who was with Lymington for three years immediately prior to joining St Cross, hit 13 sixes as the recently crowned Premier champions posted a towering 245-5 before bowling Lymington out for 75, writes Mike Vimpany.
In creating the largest winning margin in the competition's 25 year history, St Cross became the fifth club after Bashley (Rydal), Havant, South Wilts and Burridge to pull off the double.
Triumphant St Cross skipper Ed Ellis described Dhariwal’s innings as “one of the best you’ll ever see at our level. The consistency of his clean ball-striking and the clarity in his shot selection really stood out.”
Dhariwal, named 12th man for Gloucestershire’s County Championship match against Leicestershire at Grace Road this week, simply oozed class as he dominated a 15-over stay at the crease.
He began his six-hitting assault at the expense of his elder brother Johan and continued it with veteran Asad Abas and Lymington skipper Josh Royan each being struck for ‘maximums’ three times in an over as the St Cross total soared. 
Lymington fielders regularly watched - and, in a bizarre way, admired the fireworks as Dhariwal’s six-hits sailed over their heads, mainly over mid-wicket.
                                                                                      Relentless
Gregor McKenzie (21) and Felix Organ (20) played modest support roles as Dhariwal, who begins his second term as a medical student in Bristol shortly, marched relentlessly towards his century and beyond.
Lymington’s fielding ordeal wasn’t over even when Dhariwal eventually departed at 203. 
South African Gareth Schreuder took up the run scoring mantle and, with a selection of improvised shots, made a lively 66 not out (three sixes and six fours) to put St Cross out of sight.
Battered and bruised, Lymington rolled over in quick time - Gareth Berg (47) the only batsman to make double figures in a meagre 75 all out.
Organ arguably picked up the easiest five-wicket haul of his career, taking 5-8 alongside Ewan Neilson and McKenzie with two wickets each.
“Tt hasn’t quite sunk in what an achievement it is to do the double. There’s been a huge amount of commitment from all the lads to create history—something the club has never achieved before,” Ellis added.
“It’s been a massive squad effort, with so many people chipping in with standout performances across both the league and cup games. Everyone has played their part.
“St Cross is an amazing club, and that’s been shown not only by this success, but also by the achievements of our junior and women’s teams.”
Alongside dominating the whole show, St Cross Symondians were excellent hosts. The traditional pre-match rendering of Jerusalem kick started the music perfectly. The only downside was the absence of a PA announcer to introduce the players to the crowd ...
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St Cross Symondians show off the T20 Cup.
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Lymington, battered and beaten ...
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