Joe Merlino [Bob Selly] Prolific Aussie Joe Merlino hammered the second highest individual innings in the Southern League in the past 13 years. Playing for Sparsholt against third tier strugglers St Cross Symondians II, the opener thumped a stunning 207* off 150 balls at the Norman Edwards Ground.
Merlino, who plays first grade cricket in Newcastle NSW, cleared the rope on 17 occasions with 15 boundaries as Sparsholt rattled up a huge 412-2 in 50 overs.
The only batter who has scored more in an SPL innings since the start of the 2013 season is Hampshire all-rounder Felix Organ, who three years ago blazed an undefeated 222 against Burridge.
Merlino’s third century of the league season has also given him a fighting chance of setting a new SPL seasonal run record. With five games remaining, he now has 823 runs – 411 adrift of Matt de Villiers’ 1,234 all-time record haul for Hambledon in 2022.
Merlino put on 206 for the first wicket with Robbie Skeates (83) and a further 144 for the second with Tom Berzins (57).
St Cross, sitting uneasily 17 points ahead of Gosport Borough in the danger zone, were all out for 285, skipper Harry Trussler belting 90 off 70 balls before he was bowled by Freddie Gurney.
Barring an end-of-season collapse, Sparsholt should be playing in the third tier in 2026.
Currently second to Parley, they hold a 47-point lead over third-placed Odiham & Greywell with the top two going up. Sparsholt host Parley next Saturday in a potential SPL3 title decider.
Three points above St Cross in the log are Hook & Newnham Basics II (144), who were thrashed by ten wickets by Odiham, favourites to finish their maiden SPL season in third spot.
Josh Sivier continued his fine form with 76 not out, alongside Aussie Gareth Sharp (52*).
It's not looking good for Gosport Borough, whose recent improved results ended with a five-wicket defeat by Alton II, who polished off 124 through Mark Heffernan (37) and Ryan Hale (30).
Merlino, who plays first grade cricket in Newcastle NSW, cleared the rope on 17 occasions with 15 boundaries as Sparsholt rattled up a huge 412-2 in 50 overs.
The only batter who has scored more in an SPL innings since the start of the 2013 season is Hampshire all-rounder Felix Organ, who three years ago blazed an undefeated 222 against Burridge.
Merlino’s third century of the league season has also given him a fighting chance of setting a new SPL seasonal run record. With five games remaining, he now has 823 runs – 411 adrift of Matt de Villiers’ 1,234 all-time record haul for Hambledon in 2022.
Merlino put on 206 for the first wicket with Robbie Skeates (83) and a further 144 for the second with Tom Berzins (57).
St Cross, sitting uneasily 17 points ahead of Gosport Borough in the danger zone, were all out for 285, skipper Harry Trussler belting 90 off 70 balls before he was bowled by Freddie Gurney.
Barring an end-of-season collapse, Sparsholt should be playing in the third tier in 2026.
Currently second to Parley, they hold a 47-point lead over third-placed Odiham & Greywell with the top two going up. Sparsholt host Parley next Saturday in a potential SPL3 title decider.
Three points above St Cross in the log are Hook & Newnham Basics II (144), who were thrashed by ten wickets by Odiham, favourites to finish their maiden SPL season in third spot.
Josh Sivier continued his fine form with 76 not out, alongside Aussie Gareth Sharp (52*).
It's not looking good for Gosport Borough, whose recent improved results ended with a five-wicket defeat by Alton II, who polished off 124 through Mark Heffernan (37) and Ryan Hale (30).
