Something must give when Portsmouth & Southsea and promoted Sway, two of the four unbeaten Southern Premier Division 3 sides, go head-to-head at St James's Park on Saturday, 1230.
P & S have so far beaten Havant II and Trojans, while Sway have dusted up Gosport Borough and Purbrook.
Shaun Briggs and the in-form Jack Davies shared an unbroken century stand as Portsmouth & Southsea maintained their winning start, Briggs striking his highest 1st XI score, just a six hit away from bringing up his century as his side romped to an eight-wicket over Trojans at Stoneham Lane.
And Davies is now averaging a remarkable 372 in league and friendly cricket this year after his fourth not out in a row.
Asked to chase 198 for victory, P & S were 39-2 when Briggs was joined in the middle by Davies, who entered the game on the back of scores of 112 not out (v Purbrook, friendly), 101 not out (v Locks Heath, midweek league) and 50 not out (v Havant 2nds, league).
Davies proceeded to compile an unbeaten 73 this time, putting on an unbroken 161 as P & S - top of the embryonic fourth tier table - scorched to victory in the 33rd of a possible 50 overs. The last 81 of those 161 runs came in fewer than six overs, including 27 off one over.
Just as well then the ultra reliable statsman Malcolm Clarke was Trojans notcher, though even his mathematical prowess was tested by the rate the runs were being scored !
P & S have so far beaten Havant II and Trojans, while Sway have dusted up Gosport Borough and Purbrook.
Shaun Briggs and the in-form Jack Davies shared an unbroken century stand as Portsmouth & Southsea maintained their winning start, Briggs striking his highest 1st XI score, just a six hit away from bringing up his century as his side romped to an eight-wicket over Trojans at Stoneham Lane.
And Davies is now averaging a remarkable 372 in league and friendly cricket this year after his fourth not out in a row.
Asked to chase 198 for victory, P & S were 39-2 when Briggs was joined in the middle by Davies, who entered the game on the back of scores of 112 not out (v Purbrook, friendly), 101 not out (v Locks Heath, midweek league) and 50 not out (v Havant 2nds, league).
Davies proceeded to compile an unbeaten 73 this time, putting on an unbroken 161 as P & S - top of the embryonic fourth tier table - scorched to victory in the 33rd of a possible 50 overs. The last 81 of those 161 runs came in fewer than six overs, including 27 off one over.
Just as well then the ultra reliable statsman Malcolm Clarke was Trojans notcher, though even his mathematical prowess was tested by the rate the runs were being scored !
In contrast to Sway's two-win start, Purbrook have started the Division 3 season with back-to-back losses. They were bowled out for 142 and beaten by seven wickets by the New Forest club.
Alex Cox, whose 51 was his second SPL half-century, was one of only three Purbrook batters in double figures. Second highest was 37 extras, including 28 wides, something Sway will want to work on.
Sean Figgins departed first ball, dismissed by Jon Waller (4-26). Next man in, Brad Mengham, didn’t last much longer - also dismissed by Waller for a three-ball duck.
Sway, promoted from the Hampshire League in 2021, followed up their first-day win over Gosport by romping to a seven-wicket success. Purbrook reduced them to 11-2 but keeper Alex Hall struck 12 boundaries in his unbeaten 71 off 77 deliveries.
Alex Cox, whose 51 was his second SPL half-century, was one of only three Purbrook batters in double figures. Second highest was 37 extras, including 28 wides, something Sway will want to work on.
Sean Figgins departed first ball, dismissed by Jon Waller (4-26). Next man in, Brad Mengham, didn’t last much longer - also dismissed by Waller for a three-ball duck.
Sway, promoted from the Hampshire League in 2021, followed up their first-day win over Gosport by romping to a seven-wicket success. Purbrook reduced them to 11-2 but keeper Alex Hall struck 12 boundaries in his unbeaten 71 off 77 deliveries.