Lymington bungled a great chance of beating the Hampshire Academy, losing their last five wickets for six runs on the Ageas Bowl Nursery Ground, just when an anticipated victory was coming into sight.
With Henry Edwards in full cry and 217-4 on the board, Lymington appeared set to cruise past an Academy total of 268.
But, having smashed four maximums and five fours, Edwards perished for 57 (217-5), leaving South African youngster Gareth Schreuder the responsibility of getting Lymington across the line.
Schreuder (43), batting patiently, eased the visitors to 250 (19 runs from home) only to miscue an inviting delivery from Tom South to Scott Currie at mid-wicket.
Cue panic in the Lymington ranks as Ajeet Dale (3-53) rifled through the tail – a highly promising 250-5 soon becoming 256 all out … and an improbable 12 run defeat.
The untimely collapse was a major anti-climax for Lymington, whose run chase began so promisingly through openers Terry Crabb (32) and Ben Rogers (28), with Ryan Scott (32) pushing the chase on to 121-2.
Things went awry with Dom Hand (22) unable to force but, Edwards, powerful and potent all round the wicket, picked up the baton and got Lymington back on course – only for everything to go wrong at the end.
The Academy innings centred around opener Tom Prest (41), Fletcha Middleton (40) and Scott Currie, who followed up his maiden Hampshire Second XI Championship century against Glamorgan with a neat 61 until being prised out by 16-year old Josh Royan (4-26).
His dismissal prompted an Academy collapse from 206-4 to 268 all out, Matt Metcalfe’s 4-33 return including the last three wickets.
With Henry Edwards in full cry and 217-4 on the board, Lymington appeared set to cruise past an Academy total of 268.
But, having smashed four maximums and five fours, Edwards perished for 57 (217-5), leaving South African youngster Gareth Schreuder the responsibility of getting Lymington across the line.
Schreuder (43), batting patiently, eased the visitors to 250 (19 runs from home) only to miscue an inviting delivery from Tom South to Scott Currie at mid-wicket.
Cue panic in the Lymington ranks as Ajeet Dale (3-53) rifled through the tail – a highly promising 250-5 soon becoming 256 all out … and an improbable 12 run defeat.
The untimely collapse was a major anti-climax for Lymington, whose run chase began so promisingly through openers Terry Crabb (32) and Ben Rogers (28), with Ryan Scott (32) pushing the chase on to 121-2.
Things went awry with Dom Hand (22) unable to force but, Edwards, powerful and potent all round the wicket, picked up the baton and got Lymington back on course – only for everything to go wrong at the end.
The Academy innings centred around opener Tom Prest (41), Fletcha Middleton (40) and Scott Currie, who followed up his maiden Hampshire Second XI Championship century against Glamorgan with a neat 61 until being prised out by 16-year old Josh Royan (4-26).
His dismissal prompted an Academy collapse from 206-4 to 268 all out, Matt Metcalfe’s 4-33 return including the last three wickets.