Tom Arnold snaps up South Wilts captain James Hibberd, one of his five catches behind the stumps. Roy Honeybone picture.
New Milton crashed to 42 all out after dismissing Fernhill visitors South Wilts for 97 in one of the lowest scoring ECB British Gas Southern Premier Division matches on record.
All 20 wickets fell for 139 runs on a low bounce surface before South Wilts emerged somewhat surprised 55-run winners.
A diplomatic South Wilts captain James Hibberd reflected: “Obviously the track wasn’t of the standard we’d like.
“I was at New Milton for a low scoring match with the Hampshire Under-15s last week, so I knew they wouldn’t find it easy even chasing 97.
“It’s not easy for clubs without bundled of money to employ full-time groundsmen.
“I feel sorry for them, but I’m not going to slate them because nobody goes out to try and prepare a poor wicket.”
South Wilts have found it difficult all season putting totals on the board and they took lunch at a desperate 82-8.
Tom Cowley (21) and Ian Holland (19) had taken them to 34-1 before left-armer James Haggaty (4-17) and George Watts, with 2-18 off 16 overs, sent five wickets tumbling for 14 runs and South Wilts to 48-6.
They limped to 82-8 at lunch, but significantly Jack Mynott (32) was still at the crease and eked out precious runs either side of the break to give South Wilts a fighting chance at 97 all out (Dan Loader 3-29).
New Milton’s impressive out-cricket took the eye : nine of the ten wickets were caught, with wicketkeeper Tom Arnold bagging five victims.
South Wilts didn’t need a second invitation, with Hampshire’s Ian Holland (4-11) and Hibberd reducing the Green & Golds to 17-5.
The in-form Arnold got a virtually unplayable delivery from Holland, which clean bowled him.
Only Lee Beck made it into double figures before Luke Evans (5-20) ploughed through the tail to produce his best Premier League figures – and reduce New Milton to their lowest ever SPL total.
All 20 wickets fell for 139 runs on a low bounce surface before South Wilts emerged somewhat surprised 55-run winners.
A diplomatic South Wilts captain James Hibberd reflected: “Obviously the track wasn’t of the standard we’d like.
“I was at New Milton for a low scoring match with the Hampshire Under-15s last week, so I knew they wouldn’t find it easy even chasing 97.
“It’s not easy for clubs without bundled of money to employ full-time groundsmen.
“I feel sorry for them, but I’m not going to slate them because nobody goes out to try and prepare a poor wicket.”
South Wilts have found it difficult all season putting totals on the board and they took lunch at a desperate 82-8.
Tom Cowley (21) and Ian Holland (19) had taken them to 34-1 before left-armer James Haggaty (4-17) and George Watts, with 2-18 off 16 overs, sent five wickets tumbling for 14 runs and South Wilts to 48-6.
They limped to 82-8 at lunch, but significantly Jack Mynott (32) was still at the crease and eked out precious runs either side of the break to give South Wilts a fighting chance at 97 all out (Dan Loader 3-29).
New Milton’s impressive out-cricket took the eye : nine of the ten wickets were caught, with wicketkeeper Tom Arnold bagging five victims.
South Wilts didn’t need a second invitation, with Hampshire’s Ian Holland (4-11) and Hibberd reducing the Green & Golds to 17-5.
The in-form Arnold got a virtually unplayable delivery from Holland, which clean bowled him.
Only Lee Beck made it into double figures before Luke Evans (5-20) ploughed through the tail to produce his best Premier League figures – and reduce New Milton to their lowest ever SPL total.
Ian Holland in full cry (Roy Honeybone)
Jack Mynott, a priceless 32
Luke Evans, 5-20 at New Milton was a personal best {pic by his granddad]
