Chris Morgan proved Havant”s “local hero” as they secured a 41-run win over previously unbeaten New Milton at Havant Park in the British Gas Southern League Premier Division.
Morgan (4-18) proved unplayable as the New Forest visitors were bowled out for 131 (Dave Wakefield 31) in under 45 overs, writes Kevin Ricketts of the News, Portsmouth..
Skipper Ben Walker sang the praises off the 27- year old slow left-arm spinner, who has played virtually all his cricket at the club after starting in the junior section.
“He produced a phenomenal spell of bowling and New Milton couldn”t cope with him,” said Walker. “Apart from his time at Durham University and a year on the Hampshire staff he has played his cricket with us. He knows the game inside out and we are fortunate to have someone of his quality regularly available. Luckily he loves the club and made his senior debut when he was only 13 years of age. He has a special talent.”
Earlier Havant lost opener, Hampshire's Brad Taylor, cheaply after being put into bat by the visitors. Pete Hopson (41) and Walker (36) then set about laying the foundations on a difficult Havant Park surface.
They had to work hard on a pitch that had been made tricky by the rains during the week and a downpour during the morning. Both were disappointed to lose their wicket after doing the hard work to get in.
Stuart Ransley (36), back from Dubai, looked like he had never been away, adding some valuable late runs before being run out on the last ball.
“Our total was competitive but not brilliant,” said Walker.
Cameron Prentice and Josh McCoy bowled well at the start of the New Milton innings but the introduction of spinner Morgan proved decisive.
“It was a good workmanlike performance,” said Walker. I am pleased with the effort and commitment put in by the whole team. The league looks as though it is going to be very close this summer. The games will be competitive week in week out which is what you want. It was brilliant winning the title last season and it is always harder to defend it. That, however, is the ultimate aim and it will be a great effort if we achieve it.”
Morgan (4-18) proved unplayable as the New Forest visitors were bowled out for 131 (Dave Wakefield 31) in under 45 overs, writes Kevin Ricketts of the News, Portsmouth..
Skipper Ben Walker sang the praises off the 27- year old slow left-arm spinner, who has played virtually all his cricket at the club after starting in the junior section.
“He produced a phenomenal spell of bowling and New Milton couldn”t cope with him,” said Walker. “Apart from his time at Durham University and a year on the Hampshire staff he has played his cricket with us. He knows the game inside out and we are fortunate to have someone of his quality regularly available. Luckily he loves the club and made his senior debut when he was only 13 years of age. He has a special talent.”
Earlier Havant lost opener, Hampshire's Brad Taylor, cheaply after being put into bat by the visitors. Pete Hopson (41) and Walker (36) then set about laying the foundations on a difficult Havant Park surface.
They had to work hard on a pitch that had been made tricky by the rains during the week and a downpour during the morning. Both were disappointed to lose their wicket after doing the hard work to get in.
Stuart Ransley (36), back from Dubai, looked like he had never been away, adding some valuable late runs before being run out on the last ball.
“Our total was competitive but not brilliant,” said Walker.
Cameron Prentice and Josh McCoy bowled well at the start of the New Milton innings but the introduction of spinner Morgan proved decisive.
“It was a good workmanlike performance,” said Walker. I am pleased with the effort and commitment put in by the whole team. The league looks as though it is going to be very close this summer. The games will be competitive week in week out which is what you want. It was brilliant winning the title last season and it is always harder to defend it. That, however, is the ultimate aim and it will be a great effort if we achieve it.”
