THE ECB Southern Premier Cricket League annual general meeting is at Totton & Eling on Wednesdav evening at 7pm.   The Management Committee report reads: 

The Management Committee would like to congratulate everyone on making the season so successful. We can continue to be proud about the level of cricket on display throughout our league. From a weather perspective, quite a bit of rain in early months of 2025 followed by a long period of hot weather made things extremely tricky, but credit is due to all the ground staff that worked many hours to ensure cricket was played as much as possible.
The SPCL celebrated its 25-year anniversary in 2025 and had scheduled a representative game vs the MCC. Sadly, terrible rain on the day put a stop to any prospect of play, but we were able to enjoy lunch which included a good chance to catch up with some of our players and indeed those previous committee members who have worked so hard over the years to make the SPCL what it is today.
Many congratulations go to all the winners of their respective competitions during the 2025 season, namely:
♦ Premier Division Overall - St Cross Symondians 
♦ Time Pennant - Alton 
♦ 50 Over Pennant - St Cross Symondians 
♦ Division One - Sarisbury Athletic 
♦ Division Two - Calmore Sports 
♦ Division Three - Parley 
As part of our ongoing commitment to listen to your feedback and to try different things, the SPCL T20 competition took on a new format, using a group system for 2025. St Cross Symondians were eventually crowned the winners. While the format was received with mixed reviews, we feel that we are likely to try a similar format in 2026, subject to entries and umpire availability.  
The Disciplinary team had to handle 18 incidents, which was the same number of cases as of the 2024 season. This is an area that needs ongoing focus and creative thinking. To that end, you will see in the AGM paperwork, a proposal relating to low fair play marks that we will be put to the vote in attempt to further address our concerns relating to behaviour.
One rather large administrative breach consumed the time and attention of the management committee in the later part of the season and as such there is still one matter outstanding which requires a decision to be made. This does provide an excellent opportunity to encourage clubs and players not to be too lateral with their interpretation of the spirit of cricket or indeed the spirit of our own rules and regulations. 
Annual Dinner
In October, we welcomed players, officials and guests to The Novotel in Southampton for our annual presentation awards dinner. With the ever-increasing costs of speakers and looking at those available in our price range, the League opted to go without a speaker this year. With this in mind, we were also able to reduce the cost of tickets to clubs.  We are pleased to report no negative comments were received, and it felt like more people stayed to socialise more post awards. 
Congratulations are due to all the individual winners including batters, bowlers and wicket keepers across all four divisions who all put in some impressive performances during the 2025 season.
The very special Tony Baker Award for the Unsung Hero of the SPCL was awarded to Paulton Cricket Club Chairman, Mark Lamb. The award was given in recognition for his long and distinguished service to the club especially following the arson attack – a very worthy winner indeed.
Ground, facilities & Youth – League Accreditation
The Chairman of Ground Accreditation remains vacant, so please, if you are interested in the role or know someone who could be, then please do speak with Steve Vear.
In the absence of a chair of accreditation, the accreditation report was created administratively by me with the help of Stephen G Jones. It was presented to the Management Committee where it was unanimously adopted.
Congratulations must be given to both Bashley Rydal  awarded the GEORGE WINKLES MEMORIAL AWARD for Ground of the Year and to St Cross Symondians who are awarded the PAUL THOMPSON MEMORIAL TROPHY for the Most Improved Ground.
The accreditation report is provided separately as part of the AGM paperwork, but we would like to
highlight the following –
♦ Basingstoke & North Hants CC move straight to a 2nd warning for their outfield
♦Trojans CC move straight to a 2nd warning for their pitch and a 1st warning for their outfield
♦ First outfield warnings have been given to Rowledge & Sarisbury Athletic
♦ New Milton CC and OT’s & Romsey move to a 3rd and final warning for their pitch
♦ Lymington receive a 3rd and final warning for their pitch whilst retaining a 1st outfield warning
♦ St Cross Symondians have their 2 pitch warnings rescinded
♦ Bournemouth CC have their 1st warning removed
♦ Langley Manor have their 3rd and final rescinded with a 2nd warning retained
♦ South Wilts have their 2nd pitch warning reduced to a 1st pitch warning
♦ Burridge retain their 2nd pitch warning
All clubs were issued their pitch, and outfield marks after each home match which we hope helped to monitor progress.
Promotions and Relegations
In accepting the recommendations contained within the Accreditation Report, the Management Committee confirm the following promotions and relegations that, subject to your adoption of
this report, will take effect for the 2026 season.
♦ Sarisbury Athletic are promoted into the Premier Division with Basingstoke & North Hants being relegated to Division 1.
♦ Calmore Sports & Langley Manor being promoted into Division 1 with Waterlooville and Hook & Newnham Basics relegated to Division 2.
♦ Parley and Sparsholt being promoted into Division 2 with Hartley Wintney & Trojans relegated to Division 3.
♦ Paultons and Gosport Borough are demoted into Hampshire League Division 1.
♦ We welcome for the first time, Ferndown Wayfarers and welcome back Sarisbury Athletic 2nd XI into Division 3 having secured promotion from the Hampshire League.
2026 Management Committee
We are delighted to confirm that all the current officers and members of the SPCL Management Committee have agreed to continue to serve you in the 2026 season. At the recent committee day, our Treasurer Duncan Forbes informed the committee that he will be looking to leave his post in 2 year’s time. We would therefore be keen to hear from any appropriately skilled and motivated individual who would like to be considered to succeed Duncan. 
In an attempt to increase the level of player representation on our team, we will be offering 1 club from each division the opportunity to reduce their annual subscription by 50%, by an SPCL player member of your club joining the team, subject to minimum attendance requirements. We very much hope that this will encourage a few people to step forward and play their part in the ongoing success of the SPCL.
Acknowledgments
On behalf of the management committee, we would like to thank all those who give up their time
to ensure 440 players can compete every week for 4 months of the English “summer”.
Particular thanks must go to Steve Vear, who no matter the huge number of years of service to the Southern Premier Cricket League, still flawlessly guides the committee through the peaks and troughs of running a truly fantastic premier league. We do not wish to push our luck, so please, let’s all make 2026 an issue free season!
We’d like to acknowledge the South Coast Panel of Cricketing Officials for their dedication of standing for 100 or even 120 overs each week. They do put up with some disgruntled players, so
hopefully these proposed increased penalties are voted in and give them some extra much
needed support.
Closing Note from Chairman
I will never apologise for repeating time and time again my enormous gratitude for every single member of the SPCL Management Committee for their many hours of constructive, professional, and indispensable service they put into giving our member clubs a league to be proud of. I thank each and every one of them, on behalf of you, for all the work they do. 
While we always try and limit the number of rule changes we propose each year, you will see from the other paperwork that there are several items which require your review and vote. It is vital that each club arrives at the AGM having discussed these proposals with your club, together with the authorisation from your own committee on how to play the vote on the clubs’ behalf.
While I do not wish to duplicate the explanations on the proposals, I would just like to highlight a few of them.
Start times
The SPCL Premier Division Chairman and Players asked for several changes to be made to the Premier Division. This has included removing the need to provide 2 meals during time games and changing all games in the Premier Division to 11am starts.
We are therefore giving the same opportunity to other divisions to also change the start time to 11am. This will be a ‘rolling motion’ much like with coloured clothing a few years ago. We will start with each division in turn and only continue to the next as each division vote to accept the changes.
Should a low fair play mark be received without there being a disciplinary report we are asking for your agreement to administratively apply a point deduction.
It has been a huge disappointment to see the rule around scoring provision being challenged for the first time in in our memories and therefore we look to strengthen our ability to take appropriate action.
Thank you for making me proud to be the Chairman of this wonderful organisation.

Yours in cricket

Steve Vear MBE
League Chairman

Hampshire's Dom Kelly hit a maiden half-century for Melville in the WACA Premiership against Midland Guildford at Lilac Hill in Perth, where England were playing the Lions in a pre-Ashes warm up. 
​Arriving at the crease with Melville 29-3, Kelly hit 64 to help his side post 214-9. Midland Guildford went on to win by seven wickets. 
Wimborne's Harry Fairchild made 44 for Coburg in the Victoria Sub-District competition, while Bournemouth's Ben Rogers scored 43 for East Keilor.

Hampshire's Fletcha Middleton carried his bat for an unbeaten 113 for his Aussie club Belmont - but it was in a losing cause as Newcastle Premier champions Wallsend chased down 229-5 to win by five wickets.
Out of nick recently, Middleton hit a six and seven fours, underpinning Belmont's total, but Wallsend, 21-3 at one stage, eased home with eight overs to spare.
Archie Lenham, recently released by Sussex starred in Newcastle's win over Cardiff.  He took 3-11 in his ten over stint before making a priceless 33.
South Wilts raised Luke Evans, who emigrated several years ago, bagged 5-43   for St Patrick’s against Tallangatta in the Cricket Albury Wodonga (CAW) Provincial A Grade which resulted in a breathtaking tie with each team scoring exactly 193.  
He currently sits equal third 3rd in the bowling stats for the league with 10 wickets at 18.7 after four rounds while he is also a hard-hitting number 7 or 8 batter.  In a recent interview, the local Border Mail did a feature on him when he spoke about adapting to the Kookaburra ball after being used to the Dukes ball in the UK and developing variations to help him take wickets.  
Now vice-captain at St Patrick's, Luke spoke about the beneficial experiences of developing as he moved up through the Hampshire  age groups and into the 2nd XI.  He experienced  net bowling against Australia, England, Pakistan and India. During a spell with the MCC YCs. he also enjoyed games with Surrey and Middlesex 2nd XIs.
The city of Melbourne is renowned for having four seasons in a single day and when heavy rain washed out the weekend's entire Victoria Premier and Sub-District cricket programme, Bashley (Rydal) pair Dan Goodey and Michael Porter were among those left kicking their heels.  
Goodey (centre) wasted no time in sounding out a couple of Aussies for next summer's SPL programme and is pictured in preliminary talks.

​

Hampshire Academy pair Manny Lumsden and Ben Mayes are packing their bags in readiness for the Young Lions' Under-19 Youth International Series against the USA and the West Indies, starting in Grenada on Sunday week, November 16.
England, who also include Winchester College educated Seb Morgan,  are scheduled to play seven ODIs on the idyllic Caribbean island.
The tri-series tournament forms part of England's preparation for the 2026 ICC Under-19 CWC in Namibia and Zimbabwe.​ 

​Vic Marks, the former Somerset & England off-spin bowler, is the Dorset Cricket Society's Guest at Hurn Bridge, Christchurch on Thursday, 1.45pm.
He retired in 1989 and was the cricket correspondent for The Observer for 31 years.
He has been a regular and much-loved part of the Test Match Special team as a summariser since 1990. Marks plans to talk about England captains from Mike Brearley to Ben Stokes (the subject of his new book) and all things topical including the upcoming Ashes Series in Australia. 
​If you're free, why not pop along for what should be an enthralling afternoon.

Bournemouth opening batsman Luke Webb is set to play Dorset Premier League cricket with Wimborne next summer.
The 29-year old has been at Chapel Gate for the past seven seasons, having enjoyed a stellar 2025 season in charge of Dorset.
Webb joins after seven impressive seasons with Bournemouth, where he established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the ECB Southern Premier League, scoring 2,153 runs after previous spells with the Hampshire Academy and Bashley (Rydal). 
He did, however experience a disappointing past season with Bournemouth, scoring only 272 runs, with a top score of 71 not out coming against Basingstoke & North Hants 
Under Webb’s captaincy, however, Dorset have transformed from a side battling for consistency into one of the leading National Counties. 
The 2025 season saw them lift the NCCA 50-over trophy, finish runners-up in both the T20 and three-day competitions, and top the combined rankings across all formats — officially making them the top ranked National County.
Webb is already very familiar with Wimborne, having captained Dorset in numerous home games at The Leaze. The ground has become known as one of the region’s best batting surfaces, expertly maintained by Colin Randall, who also works for the AFC Bournemouth ground staff.
With the departure of overseas star Yatin Ramesh — who scored over 800 runs last season — Webb will bring valuable experience and stability at the top of the order. The 29-year-old brings both proven quality and leadership to Wimborne’s top order following a stellar year in charge of Dorset.
Dorset champions in 2024, Wimborne finished second in the league behind Dorchester and runners-up in the T20 competition in 2025, going unbeaten in their final eight matches.
Speaking about his move, Webb said: “I’ve spent a lot of time at Wimborne over the last few seasons with Dorset and have been really impressed with the way the club is run. It’s clear the club are very ambitious. The Leaze is a top-class ground, the senior sides are motivated to succeed and the youth set-up is thriving. It’s an exciting time to join.
“I hope to contribute to Wimborne’s ambitions on the field, as well as using my experience to help develop the younger players.
“I really enjoyed my time at Bournemouth and wish them every success moving forward.
“2026 will be my eighth season as captain of Dorset. 2025 was successful and memorable but we want to kick on and sustain our success over a long period of time. We have a squad full of talent that I have so much belief in. It’s a very positive time for Dorset Cricket at all levels.”

​imborne captain Ben Bridgen said the signing is a significant moment for the club: “It came a bit out of the blue when Webby got in touch saying he fancied a chat. It was a no-brainer — he’s a class act and will bring huge experience to the squad. It’s a high-profile signing for the club and shows how far we’ve come in recent years. The lads are buzzing to have him on board.”
Looking ahead, Bridgen confirmed Wimborne are still exploring an overseas option for 2026: “The door’s always open, but we don’t go chasing players. We’ve got a great group already and a really talented bunch of U15s coming through who’ll be pushing for places soon. We’d like to bring in another overseas player, but as always, it’s about finding the right fit for the club.”
Meanwhile, vice-captain Harry Fairchild is currently spending the winter in Melbourne, Australia, where he’s begun impressing with both bat and in the field with Coburg in the Victoria Sub-District competition.
The Millfield schooled Fairchild, who also captains Dorset Under-18s, is gaining valuable experience overseas and will return ahead of the new season to help lead Wimborne’s Premier League campaign.
With Webb’s arrival, Fairchild’s ongoing development, and a wave of talented young players breaking through, Wimborne look well placed to mount another serious challenge in 2026 — both on the pitch and as one of Dorset’s most ambitious and forward-thinking clubs.

​Old Tauntonians & Romsey all-rounder Joe Vaughan cracked an unbeaten career best 155 for his adopted Melbourne club Bentleigh against Southern Bayside League rivals Hampton. 
​His knock contained 17 fours and helped Bentleigh post 316-7 off 80 overs.  It was Vaughan's second hundred in Australia, where he also wintered last year.
'I would say the standard of the Southern Bayside League is comparable to lower echelons of SPL but most teams have good overseas players to bring the standards up. The turf pitches and outfields are used for Aussie Rules, but already in good nick', Vaughan said.
Hampton will begin their reply on day two this Saturday.

The Hampshire indoor six-a-side championships are to take place in the Utilita Bowl school on Saturday 1 November, with Longparish facing OTs & Romsey at 10am, and Waterlooville playing Easton &Martyr Worthy in the second semi-final.
The eventual winners from the 12.30pm county final will receive the Gerry Oxlade Trophy and represent Hampshire in the 2026 ECB indoor championships. 

​Former Middlesex & England batsman Roland Butcher is the Dorset Cricket Society' speaker at Hurn Bridge on Wednesday, 1.45pm. 
He will be promoting his new book Breaking Barriers, copies of which he'll have available for sale. Potential new members are most welcome.   Among the numerous topics will be that explosive over bowled to Sir Geoffrey Boycott by Michael Holding in Barbados in 1981.

Dorset and Bashley (Rydal) cricketer Will Tripcony [pictured] top scored with 63 as his adopted Melbourne club  Elsternwick beat Victoria Sub-District North Division rivals Plenty Valley.
The tall, upright batter struck three sixes and seven fours to help Elsternwick post 185. Plenty Valley were dismissed for 158.
Team-mate Michael Porter had to be treated for pad rash after sitting in the Victoria sun while Brunswick's fourth-wicket pair piled up century-plus partnership which took them past Strathmore's 253-9.  He did at least take a catch off Dan Goodey's bowling.
Wimborne's Harry Fairchild has made an encouraging at Coburg, making 50 v Preston and 45 v Kew.
OTs & Romsey spin all-rounder Joe Vaughan cushioned the disappointment of a fifth ball duck by taking 3-27 to help Bentleigh to an emphatic win over Southern Bayside opponents Heatherton.
In the Cricket Victoria Premier League, Hampshire's Finn Gordon made 20 as South Melbourne reached 303 all out against Melbourne, who were 44-2 at stumps on day one.
Sidelined with a finger injury, Bournemouth's Ben Rogers spent the day scoring - but got a free tea for his endeavours ! 
Basingstoke & North Hants cricketer George Metzger made 43 as Newcastle City posted 294 against Wests, who were dismissed for 175.
Hampshire's Fletcha Middleton was dismissed for 0 and one his last two knocks for Belmont, while Dom Kelly has so far twice played in losing sides in the WACA Premier competition in Perth.
Bournemouth and Dorset left-arm spinner Conor Smith wheeled away for 33 overs and finished with a pleasing 5-133 return as his Ringwood & District CA side Montrose chased down Ainslie Park's 274 and win by five wickets.  

​The ECB Southern Premier League will hold its AGM at the Totton & Eling CC, Southern Gardens on Wednesday 19 November at 7 o'clock.
Division 1 clubs have been asked their opinion on starting 2026 season matches at 11 o'clock.  They currently begin at 12.30pm.

Ferndown Wayfarers, Hampshire League champions twice in the past three seasons, have been promoted, along with Sarisbury Athletic II, into the fourth tier of Southern Premier League cricket next season.
They failed to meet the Premier League’s accreditation criteria when they won it in 2023, but improved ground markings at Dolman’s Farm and work carried to the pavilion and showers has given them the nod this time around.
Ferndown dominated the Hampshire League this summer, winning 14 of their 17 completed games. Opener James Stephenson led the batting charts with 535 runs, with skipper Eric Linge and Tom Mullings, who made 135 against Sarisbury, each scoring 453.
Miles Lewis (28 wickets), Daryl Baines (27) and Freddie Pittaway (26) all featured strongly in the HL bowling charts.
Ferndown will face Alton II, Fareham & Crofton, Hartley Wintney, Hook & Newnham Basics II, Hursley Park, Odiham & Greywell, Sarisbury Athletic II, St Cross Symondians II, and Trojans in SPL3 next summer.
They are all 50-over red ball matches.    

Basingstoke & North Hants have removed the top surface of the entire cricket outfield at May’s Bounty following problems there this past summer.
The ground has been scarified, disc seeded with 100 tons of sand laid on the surface, leaving  head groundsman Richard Vinn anxious for plenty more rain to bind the new growth together.
“Until recently, we hadn’t experienced any meaningful rain since last February,” he explained. “Some parts died off over the winter.
“The general consensus was a compaction of the soil and a layer of thatch beneath the surface that caused that issue. The scorching hot weather on top of that just made things worse.” 
Mr Vinn and his grounds team toiled manfully to provide seemingly endless cricket all summer long.
“Anywhere between 70-80 matches were played on the main square, plus a handful of kids games on the outfield, ie Under-9s and school competitions.
“We hosted league games every Saturday, plus twice weekly Guy Jewell T20 cup ties, and later in August Hampshire pathway matches, so there was no let up.
“Due to the fine weather there would have been a pitch prepared virtually every day. In a normal year you'd get the odd day off for rain but not this year.
The adjoining Castle Field cricket square was Koroed on top of normal renovations, ie (2-3 inches shaved off). 
“The outfield took two days to scarify, seed and top dress (100 tons). Both outfields and the rugby field will be spiked once the ground softens up a bit,” Vinn added.
“It's greened up a lot over the last couple of weeks. Once it gets cut it should start looking like it should again. Fingers crossed...
Basingstoke will play ‘white ball’ Southern Premier League cricket in 2026, following this season’s relegation from the ECB Premier League.

Long serving Fareham & Crofton cricket youth coordinator Gordon Selbie has been rewarded by the local Council for his services to young people's sport in the Borough.
Approaching a youthful 80 years of age and still full of enthusiasm, Mr Selbie has been involved with colts cricket at Bath Lane for 35 years and next season will have his hands fuller than ever with Fareham running ten junior teams. including girls sides for the first time.
"There's a lot of organising to do, but it's very rewarding when you see home grown youngsters progressing into the senior teams - and making their mark," he smiled. 

Chris Cowdrey, Kent and England, will be the Hampshire Cricket Society’s speaker at the Romsey Golf Club this coming Wednesday, 22nd October 2025 at 2:00pm. His subject will be ‘The Cowdrey Dynasty’.
Tim Shutt, Director of the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation, is the guest speaker at Dorset's weekly meeting  at Hurn Bridge on Thursday, 1.45pm.

​Hampshire Academy cricketer Finn Gordon has already made an indelible mark in the demanding arena of Australian grade cricket despite only having arrived in Melbourne little more than three weekends ago.
The 18-year old left-hand opening batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler is spending the winter with Casey South Melbourne, one of the country’s top grade clubs, who have former Australia Test pace bowler Damien Fleming among their coaching mentors.
It didn’t take Gordon long to make his mark !
Bowling in South Melbourne’s opening Cricket Victoria match against Frankston Peninsular, Gordon took 4-39 in ten overs, his four victims were top seven batsmen.
South Melbourne went on to win by six wickets, Gordon making 22.
In the second round of first grade matches, Gordon really turned on the style, hitting a magnificent and unbeaten double century for Casey South Melbourne against Melbourne University.
He hit 206 not out, including two sixes and 17 fours as SM posted a formidable 393-2.  When play resumed, Gordon took 3-59, including the university's two top scorers, as the students fell to 149 all out. 
Gordon explained: “Last Saturday was pretty special for me to be honest, some of the best red ball cricket I’ve played for a long time. The standard is great, a good challenge against some proper players and different conditions. 
“I’ve just tried to keep a clear head since being out here and almost trying to be a sponge with the information that I’ve been given from our coaches and players.
                                                                                   Encouraging 
“I am  learning a lot from just opening the batting with Ash Chandrasinghe, as I really want to develop over the next six months. I want to try and understand myself as a cricketer the best I can.”
Gordon, who enjoyed Dorset’s success in the National Counties this past summer, heaped praise on Will Carr, South Melbourne’s head coach.
“He’s been great and has been really encouraging. Will’s backed me the whole way which is nice when you feel trusted,” he added.
Gordon, who left Clayesmore School as a 16-year old to concentrate making cricket his career, admitted that batting the whole CSM innings of 393-2 wore him out.
“There was way too much running and I’ve never been so tired in my life. A day later and I literally wasn’t able to move. 
“But overall the experience so far has been great and CSM are a proper side and I’m just only looking to improve as much as I can.”
Gordon’s maiden double century - a remarkable feat for an English teenager playing Australian first grade cricket - certainly impressed Will Carr, who described his innings as a “privilege to watch and something quite special.”
He reflected: “In the short time Finn has been with us, I’ve been extremely impressed with his maturity, clarity, and awareness of his own game — particularly for someone so young.
“His innings had all the hallmarks of a seasoned professional. He showed a real ability to work through the gears — batting with terrific intent throughout, but also demonstrating excellent patience and composure.
“Finn has wonderful hands and a full range of shots, all of which were on display — from delicate late cuts to textbook cover drives and commanding pull shots. It was a complete innings, played with poise, control, and class.
“And as spectacular a feat his 206 not was against Melbourne University, he also looks to be a very talented off spinner. And he seems to be a real natural in the field.
“If he continues to apply himself the way he has, there’s no question Finn will go a long way in the game.”

Bashley (Rydal) all-rounder Dan Goodey struck an innings saving half-century but was unable to spare Brunswick, his adopted Australian club from losing their opening Victoria CA Sub-District match to Ormerod. 
Brunswick were 89-6 when Goodey hit three sixes in an unbeaten 55, but his team's 180-9 was easily overhauled.  Bashley team-mate Michael Porter made 13, while Dorset's Greg Willows and Bournemouth raised Jamie Price played for Ormerod.
Bournemouth left-arm spinner Conor Smith has switched to play for Montrose this winter and took 2-29 on debut.  Team-mate Ben Rogers ended up in A & E in a Melbourne hospital after suffering a finger injury during East Keilor's defeat by local rivals Keilor Park.  Rogers, spending a third and final winter Down Under before he gets a job, was caught and bowled for 4 and later took a catch - but was later whisked off to hospital by Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service. He returned to the club with his arm in a sling and finger heavily strapped up. A medical update is awaited.
Old Tauntonians & Romsey spin all-rounder Joe Vaughan led Bentleigh to a big win, making 77.

*If you are a Southern Premier League cricketer wintering in Australia please get in touch if/when you have a good day in the grade matches.

Award winning Basingstoke & North Hants cricketer George Metzger has joined Newcastle - but it’s only for the upcoming Australian winter season !
He has flown to Northern New South Wales to play for Newcastle City in the state premier league and will debut in Saturday’s T20 double headers against Carlton and Northern Districts.
It’s unlikely Metzger, who topped Basingstoke's batting charts this summer,  will be behind the stumps due to a sore back. 
Hampshire’s Fletcha Middleton will be following in his father’s footsteps when he debuts for rivals Belmont against Waratah-Mayfield at the club’s seaside Cahill Oval.
Tony Middleton played for Belmont in his early 20s, spending two seasons at the club.
Fair Oak spin all-rounder Conor Gibson plays Belmont having made 428 runs and taken 21 wickets in SPL1 cricket this past season.
Bashley (Rydal) pair Dan Goodey and Michael Porter are plying their trade in Victoria Sub-District cricket for Brunswick against Ormond, who have two familiar Dorset faces in their side.
Greg Willows and one-time Bournemouth batsman Jamie Price are listed by Ormond.
Joe Vaughan, who enjoyed a fine end to the OTs & Romsey season, is spending a second consecutive winter in Melbourne’s South Bayside League with Bentleigh.
Hampshire pair Toby Albert and Dom Kelly will shortly be headed to Perth to play in the WACA Grade competition - Albert for a third winter at Joondalup and Kelly at Melville, alongside the Swan River.   

​Jim Graham-Brown, who played county cricket for Kent & Derbyshire as well as Minor Counties for Cornwall and Dorset, is the Dorset Cricket Society's opening day speaker at the Hurn Bridge Social Club (aka Christchurch FC) on Thursday at 1.45pm.
He then had a career in education culminating in being headmaster of two schools first in Cornwall and then Bath. On his retirement he took up writing plays, including two for the PCA, one about Colin Milburn, the other about Chris Lewis.  Jim comes highly recommended.
Among the Autumn term speakers are former Middlesex batsman Roland Butcher, Hampshire & South Africa cricketer Kyle Abbott, Vic Marks, ECB Match referee Mike Smith (ex-Gloucestershire & England), Sussex coach Paul Farbrace and former Tasmania cricketer and now Somerset Chief Executive Jamie Cox.  

Hampshire Academy duo Ben Mayes and pace bowling all-rounder Manny Lumsden have been selected for England Under-19s seven-match tour to the Caribbean island of St Vincent next month where they will play ODIs against the West Indies and the USA.
The tournament, in which Winchester College talent Seb Morgan will also be involved, forms an important part of England's preparation for the next ICC Under-19 World Cup to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe in January.
The Hampshire pair both made their county debuts in his summer's Metro Bank One Day Cup, with Mayes earning a multi-year professional contract.
They also represented England U19s earlier this summer and played alongside one another in two matches against Bangladesh U19s.
In the One-Day Cup, Mayes marked his debut with a half-century whilst Lumsden claimed figures of 3-64, both against Glamorgan in Neath and helped Hampshire to the final of the competition at Trent Bridge.
For England U19s in 2025, Mayes has scored 290 runs at an average of 32 whilst Lumsden has taken three wickets in as many matches.

Former Middlesex & England batsman Roland Butcher is the Hampshire Cricket Society' speaker when the new winter season opens at the Romsey Golf Club on Wednesday 1 October at 2pm. 
He will be promoting his new book Breaking Barriers, copies of which he'll have available for sale. Potential new HCS members are most welcome.

​Hambledon's 110-run semi-final defeat by Foxton Granta was cushioned when the powerful Cambridgeshire club thrashed Cheshire's Stayley by 145 runs to lift the Voneus Village Cup for the second year running and so became the fifth team to defend the trophy at Lord's.
In the process, Richard Kaufman (bowled by Ian Turner for seven in he semi-final) became the first player in the competition's history to score a second hundred in the final as he smashed 122 to underpin Foxton's 265-4. 
Stayley struggled to get anywhere near the target as they were bowled out for just 120.
South Wilts raised Josh Croom, who plies his left-arm trade in Cornwall these days, made his Lord's debut in the ECB National Club Championship but affluent Penzance lost the final by 25 runs to Ormskirk. Croom bowled a wicketless five overs for 29 runs and later got a seventh ball duck.  

Local recreational cricket has said farewell to Portsmouth & Southsea legend Mark Smith, a prolific top order batsman, who scored almost 50,000 runs for the club in 33 seasons.
An accountant by profession and typically meticulous with his cricket statistics, Mr Smith died suddenly last month, aged 62 years, leaving club members in shock.
A true gentleman on and off the field, Mark was equally dedicated to preparing pitches at St James’s Park as he was to scoring hundreds of runs on them at weekends.
Alongside his brother Simon, Mark began his cricket career as a colt at Waterlooville before switching to Cowplain, where he spent 12 seasons, chalking up his maiden century in 1979.
He joined Portsmouth Enterprise in 1981 and, after the club became Portsmouth & Southsea, played a lead role in its eventual elevation to the Southern Premier League.
His best years were arguably between 1990 and 2002, with top three finishes seven times in the Hampshire League batting charts, topping the averages in 1993, 1996 and again in 2000.
1996 was Mark’s most prolific year, seeing him score a phenomenal 2,755 runs, with six centuries and an average of 114.79.
He captained Portsmouth & Southsea across two separate spells and was equally proficient behind the stumps, claiming close on 1,250 catches, 417 of them stumpings.
Mark retired in 2014 with career statistics of 49,137 runs, a highest score of 148 not out among his 39 hundreds. He made fifty or more 306 times.
Reflecting on Mark Smith’s career, P & S chairman and long time batting partner Sean Kanavan said: “He featured hugely in my learning of the game as, for a number of years, he was my only batting partner. 
“Occasionally we would walk out together, usually I’d join him at the crease but you could bet your house he’d still be there when I left it !
“He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. A true gentleman and a club legend.”

Basingstoke & North Hants held their nerve to snatch a dramatic one-run win over Hursley Park and win the inaugural Hampshire Loveless Under-19 Shield.
They defended 152 by the skin of their teeth, Hursley losing two wickets off the last three balls of their innings - both to run outs - to finish 151-8, one run short of Basingstoke score.
Hursley went into Abilash Nanthakumar’s final over needing nine runs to win. They took four runs off four balls then, after a fifth ball run out, required four to tie and win by virtue of least wickets lost.
A chaotic finale saw Hursley Park finish one run short, having suffered two run outs off two of the last three balls of the innings.
While Basingstoke celebrated, Hursley reflected on an opportunity missed, the visitors having looked firm favourites to lift the trophy at 108-2 on the back of an unbeaten half-century by Oliver Brimble (50) and Arthur Bryant (26).
Bryant’s dismissal triggered a collapse which saw six wickets fall for 43 runs.
Neil Shelar’s 51 not out, aided by Jack Smith (25), underpinned Basingstoke’s 152 all out, Patel Bhavyk (3-59) and Ben Lax (3-14) taking the bowling credits for Hursley Park.
Sixteen clubs participated in the inaugural Under-19 competition, named in memory of Vic Loveless, the one-time doyen of New Forest cricket.
Basingstoke beat Fleet, Hook & Newnham Basics and Rowledge in the lead up rounds, with Hursley Park knocking out Andover, Compton & Chandler’s Ford and Hambledon.