Opening bowlers Richard Jerry and Sonny Reynolds shared six wickets as Havant defeated Totton & Eling at Southern Gardens.
Replying to the visitors’ 267-5 total, Totton lost opener Joe Baker first ball - trapped leg before by Jerry (3–32). Baker topped the HL Division 2 batting charts with Locks Heath in 2022.
Fellow opener Bothwell Chapungu (9) was caught by Harry Gadd off the bowling of Reynolds. And the hosts were 26-3 when Reynolds (3-26) tempted former Berkshire all-rounder Harry Stephens (0) to edge behind.
South African Josh Elliott, who enjoyed a fine summer with Colchester & East Essex last term, hit 58 at more than a run a ball but Totton were dismissed for 169 to lose by 98 runs. It was Totton's first SPL match, their round 1 and 2 matches having been cancelled.
The final wicket was taken by Chris Morgan, who was playing his first SPL match since 2021 - having missed all of last season following extensive knee surgery.
George Metzger (54) had earlier top scored for Havant for the second league game running, after skipper Ben Walker (48) and Pete Hopson (22) had opened with a stand of 76.
Harry Gadd hit 41 off 45 balls before evergreen Richard Hindley – who celebrated his 48th birthday last month – struck an unbeaten 44 off 37 balls with six fours.
Replying to the visitors’ 267-5 total, Totton lost opener Joe Baker first ball - trapped leg before by Jerry (3–32). Baker topped the HL Division 2 batting charts with Locks Heath in 2022.
Fellow opener Bothwell Chapungu (9) was caught by Harry Gadd off the bowling of Reynolds. And the hosts were 26-3 when Reynolds (3-26) tempted former Berkshire all-rounder Harry Stephens (0) to edge behind.
South African Josh Elliott, who enjoyed a fine summer with Colchester & East Essex last term, hit 58 at more than a run a ball but Totton were dismissed for 169 to lose by 98 runs. It was Totton's first SPL match, their round 1 and 2 matches having been cancelled.
The final wicket was taken by Chris Morgan, who was playing his first SPL match since 2021 - having missed all of last season following extensive knee surgery.
George Metzger (54) had earlier top scored for Havant for the second league game running, after skipper Ben Walker (48) and Pete Hopson (22) had opened with a stand of 76.
Harry Gadd hit 41 off 45 balls before evergreen Richard Hindley – who celebrated his 48th birthday last month – struck an unbeaten 44 off 37 balls with six fours.