Two run outs off consecutive balls in a frantic final over cost Lymington dear as the Hampshire Academy snatched a four-run victory from the snapping jaws of defeat on the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground.
At 158-8, Lymington needed only five runs from Chris Wood’s last over to edge past the Academy’s adjusted 163-run total – but confusion reigned as both Ollie Elliott and Guy Layman were each run out, with South African Ximus Du Plooy stranded on 61 not out.
Comfortably placed at 61-2, Lymington sank to 85-6 after off-spinner Tom Prest (3-30) had cut through the top order.
But Du Plooy found two handy partners in flu-stricken Josh Proctor and South Wilts recruit James Wade, and at 153-7, it looked odds-on a Lymington victory … only for the wheels to fall off in Wood’s crucial final over.
Even without the unwell Matt Metcalfe, Lymington began the day on a positive note with Prest, Harry Broderick and Toby Albert back in the Arthur Holt pavilion before 15 runs were on the electronic scoreboard.
But Huw Wheeler [pictured](84) and Charlie Mumford (47) added 145 for the fourth wicket – Island-based spinner Dan Cox (4-36) dismissing both batsmen as the Academy moved to 217 all out – a total reduced by rain to a target of 163 for Lymington to chase off 30 overs.
The day didn't end that well for Wheeler, who has been struggling with injury; he finished the evening in hospital after colliding with his batting partner (and wicketkeeper) Charlie Mumford in the field. Charlie Freeston was able to keep the Academy fielding as sharp as when he emerged from the sub's bench !
• Lymington’s former South African cricketer Gareth Schreuder struck a career-best 133 as Warminster scored a massive 363-4 at Calne (172-8) in the WEPL Wiltshire Division.
At 158-8, Lymington needed only five runs from Chris Wood’s last over to edge past the Academy’s adjusted 163-run total – but confusion reigned as both Ollie Elliott and Guy Layman were each run out, with South African Ximus Du Plooy stranded on 61 not out.
Comfortably placed at 61-2, Lymington sank to 85-6 after off-spinner Tom Prest (3-30) had cut through the top order.
But Du Plooy found two handy partners in flu-stricken Josh Proctor and South Wilts recruit James Wade, and at 153-7, it looked odds-on a Lymington victory … only for the wheels to fall off in Wood’s crucial final over.
Even without the unwell Matt Metcalfe, Lymington began the day on a positive note with Prest, Harry Broderick and Toby Albert back in the Arthur Holt pavilion before 15 runs were on the electronic scoreboard.
But Huw Wheeler [pictured](84) and Charlie Mumford (47) added 145 for the fourth wicket – Island-based spinner Dan Cox (4-36) dismissing both batsmen as the Academy moved to 217 all out – a total reduced by rain to a target of 163 for Lymington to chase off 30 overs.
The day didn't end that well for Wheeler, who has been struggling with injury; he finished the evening in hospital after colliding with his batting partner (and wicketkeeper) Charlie Mumford in the field. Charlie Freeston was able to keep the Academy fielding as sharp as when he emerged from the sub's bench !
• Lymington’s former South African cricketer Gareth Schreuder struck a career-best 133 as Warminster scored a massive 363-4 at Calne (172-8) in the WEPL Wiltshire Division.
