Luke Webb [Terry Nash]
Luke Webb launched a blistering six-hitting spree on the way to striking a career-best 141 which set up promoted Bournemouth for an opening day ECB Southern Premier Division victory by 28 runs over Basingstoke & North Hants at May’s Bounty.
His best yet century, which contained eight sixes and nine fours, was compiled when Bournemouth were wobbling at an uncertain 126-5.
Back in the top flight of Premier Division cricket for the first time in five seasons, Bournemouth went on to post 244-8 before dismissing Basingstoke for 216.
It started so well for the Bountymen, as David Griffiths (3-38) had Luke Mathews trapped leg before in his first over. Fellow opener Jake Hurley (23) was next to get caught behind by Lawrence Benge as Griffths snapped up his second wicket.
Mitch Stokes (2-21) kept the home side on top, as the visitors took to the 30th over to reach three figures. Rakitha Perera (2-33) then also got amongst the wickets, but they were unable to remove Webb.
It was to prove very costly as in the 48th over, the new Bournemouth captain launched four sixes into the May’s Bounty car park, as 28 were added in the space of six balls to help the Dorset side to 244-8 (Tom Robinson 21/James Woodruff 20).
Basingstoke’s reply did not get off to the best of starts with Ben Thane out for three. Former Hook team mate Jordan Hobday scored 29 in 36 balls, but his departure was soon followed by that of Matt Deadman and Mitch Stokes leaving the home side on 82-5, as Ed Denham helped himself to 4-28
Dan Belcher (30) and top scorer Tom Allam (47), new from Tichborne Park added 45 for the sixth wicket. Allam and Griffiths (30) kept the game in the balance, as they took the score to 182.
However, the return to the attack of Dan Conway to join Dan Robinson saw the runs dry up, but the Bountymen did make it past 200 to collect a fourth batting bonus point as Ash Neal hit 20 from number nine. He was then the last man out bowled by Denham as Basingstoke finished on 216.
His best yet century, which contained eight sixes and nine fours, was compiled when Bournemouth were wobbling at an uncertain 126-5.
Back in the top flight of Premier Division cricket for the first time in five seasons, Bournemouth went on to post 244-8 before dismissing Basingstoke for 216.
It started so well for the Bountymen, as David Griffiths (3-38) had Luke Mathews trapped leg before in his first over. Fellow opener Jake Hurley (23) was next to get caught behind by Lawrence Benge as Griffths snapped up his second wicket.
Mitch Stokes (2-21) kept the home side on top, as the visitors took to the 30th over to reach three figures. Rakitha Perera (2-33) then also got amongst the wickets, but they were unable to remove Webb.
It was to prove very costly as in the 48th over, the new Bournemouth captain launched four sixes into the May’s Bounty car park, as 28 were added in the space of six balls to help the Dorset side to 244-8 (Tom Robinson 21/James Woodruff 20).
Basingstoke’s reply did not get off to the best of starts with Ben Thane out for three. Former Hook team mate Jordan Hobday scored 29 in 36 balls, but his departure was soon followed by that of Matt Deadman and Mitch Stokes leaving the home side on 82-5, as Ed Denham helped himself to 4-28
Dan Belcher (30) and top scorer Tom Allam (47), new from Tichborne Park added 45 for the sixth wicket. Allam and Griffiths (30) kept the game in the balance, as they took the score to 182.
However, the return to the attack of Dan Conway to join Dan Robinson saw the runs dry up, but the Bountymen did make it past 200 to collect a fourth batting bonus point as Ash Neal hit 20 from number nine. He was then the last man out bowled by Denham as Basingstoke finished on 216.
