Hartley hero Scott Baldwin [Dave Vokes]
Hartley Wintney’s stay at the Southern Premier Division 2 summit looked as though it might be a brief one when they lost their first three wickets with only four runs on the board against promotion rivals Liphook & Ripsley at the Cricket Green.
But then Scott Baldwin strode to the crease for only the eighth time in the past four seasons – and promptly blitzed an amazing 141 not out, which totally transformed the game and set up a 37-run Hartley victory.
Hartley were in a pickle when Jon Kerr, Angus Brown and Roy Cockram all returned to the pavilion in quick succession, but James Mulvey (25) and Baldwin restored some semblance of order.
Baldwin went further than that and proceeded the control the whole show, hitting 16 fours and whacking eight sixes in a blistering 141, scored off only 82 deliveries.
Despite the Kiwi’s efforts, Hartley Wintney weren’t entirely out of the woods at 91-6 but with Anthony Parson (23) providing timely support, Baldwin raised the total to 216-9 off a rain trimmed 34 overs.
Liphook made a sound enough response through Ryan Covey (24) and Suman Ganguly (33) to reach 80-2, but needed a 70-plus score from one of their top order if they were going to chase at 6.50 runs an over and win the game.
Jonathan Pryce (25) and Chris Martin (25) made their mark, but with teenage spinner Angus Brown taking 3-27 and Baldwin completing a fine performance with 2-30, Liphook were restricted to 179-9.
But then Scott Baldwin strode to the crease for only the eighth time in the past four seasons – and promptly blitzed an amazing 141 not out, which totally transformed the game and set up a 37-run Hartley victory.
Hartley were in a pickle when Jon Kerr, Angus Brown and Roy Cockram all returned to the pavilion in quick succession, but James Mulvey (25) and Baldwin restored some semblance of order.
Baldwin went further than that and proceeded the control the whole show, hitting 16 fours and whacking eight sixes in a blistering 141, scored off only 82 deliveries.
Despite the Kiwi’s efforts, Hartley Wintney weren’t entirely out of the woods at 91-6 but with Anthony Parson (23) providing timely support, Baldwin raised the total to 216-9 off a rain trimmed 34 overs.
Liphook made a sound enough response through Ryan Covey (24) and Suman Ganguly (33) to reach 80-2, but needed a 70-plus score from one of their top order if they were going to chase at 6.50 runs an over and win the game.
Jonathan Pryce (25) and Chris Martin (25) made their mark, but with teenage spinner Angus Brown taking 3-27 and Baldwin completing a fine performance with 2-30, Liphook were restricted to 179-9.
