Durham University all-rounder Michael Booth underlined his value to St Cross Symondians’ ECB Southern Premier League title defence with a five-wicket return against Bashley (Rydal).
The South African pace bowler took 5-17 as Bashley were skittled for 106 at the Fagan Fields – a total St Cross breezed past to win by nine wickets and open up a 17-point lead at the top of the log, writes Mike Vimpany.
After three full rounds of fixtures, St Cross boast the only unbeaten record, although their unblemished start will be put to the test when Havant visit the Green Jackets on Saturday (1100) for the opening match of the nine all-day ‘red ball’ time pennant series.
Booth, who recently completed his Business degree course at Durham and will be available to play for St Cross throughout the summer, struck two blows with the new ball and later returned to rip through the Bashley lower-order to complete his five-wicket haul.
A product of Hilton College, Booth ripped out Bashley openers Will Tripcony and Ben Francis in his fourth and sixth overs, respectively.
Patrick Holly and Michael Porter steadied the ship, only to depart to Matt Haworth (2-15) in quick succession at 46 and 48, ex-captain Porter providing wicketkeeper Ed Ellis with his second of three catches.
It was left to teenage Clayesmore School left-hander Finn Gordon (31), the youngest player in the team, to add some fibre to the brittle Bashley batting, but when he fell to the left-arm spin of Charlie Gwynn, the innings disintegrated.
The South African pace bowler took 5-17 as Bashley were skittled for 106 at the Fagan Fields – a total St Cross breezed past to win by nine wickets and open up a 17-point lead at the top of the log, writes Mike Vimpany.
After three full rounds of fixtures, St Cross boast the only unbeaten record, although their unblemished start will be put to the test when Havant visit the Green Jackets on Saturday (1100) for the opening match of the nine all-day ‘red ball’ time pennant series.
Booth, who recently completed his Business degree course at Durham and will be available to play for St Cross throughout the summer, struck two blows with the new ball and later returned to rip through the Bashley lower-order to complete his five-wicket haul.
A product of Hilton College, Booth ripped out Bashley openers Will Tripcony and Ben Francis in his fourth and sixth overs, respectively.
Patrick Holly and Michael Porter steadied the ship, only to depart to Matt Haworth (2-15) in quick succession at 46 and 48, ex-captain Porter providing wicketkeeper Ed Ellis with his second of three catches.
It was left to teenage Clayesmore School left-hander Finn Gordon (31), the youngest player in the team, to add some fibre to the brittle Bashley batting, but when he fell to the left-arm spin of Charlie Gwynn, the innings disintegrated.
Booth’s return prompted the last six wickets to tumble for 14 runs and Bashley to a meagre 106 all out.
It took St Cross less than 20 overs to complete the formalities, Jack Bransgrove – the century making hero of the previous week’s win over South Wilts – helping himself to an unbeaten 54, hitting two sixes and eight fours in the process.
He lost opening partner Joe Lewis (at 31), but Felix Organ’s 29 not out sealed an easy win.
It took St Cross less than 20 overs to complete the formalities, Jack Bransgrove – the century making hero of the previous week’s win over South Wilts – helping himself to an unbeaten 54, hitting two sixes and eight fours in the process.
He lost opening partner Joe Lewis (at 31), but Felix Organ’s 29 not out sealed an easy win.