SPCL Premier Division cricket: Lymington CC struggle to defeat on a rain-affected day against South Wilts CC

SPCL Premier Division

Lymington CC 133

South Wilts CC 134-4

LYMINGTON’S defeat to South Wilts was marred by the weather, which played a significant role in the six-wicket loss.

Despite the challenging conditions, Lymington – already dealing with the absence of key first-team players – completed the game.

Lymington needed to win the toss to improve their chances of winning, but stand-in captain Josh Royan kept up his unfortunate losing streak.

South Wilts skipper Ben Draper put the visitors into bat ahead of an innings disrupted by three rain breaks and progressively reduced from 64 to 54 overs.

Robbie Hemmings (1) was soon out to overseas Australian fast bowler Ryan Freeman (2-36) before fellow opener Jovan Dhariwal (25 in 65 balls) and Josh Royan (15) held the South Wilts attack at bay for a while. They put on 31 for the second wicket until left-armer Tom Grant (6-40) got among the wickets, having Dhariwal caught.

Monam Abbas (43 in 52 balls) was again in fine form, hitting eight fours and putting on 36 with Jovan Dhariwal for the third wicket.

Regular second-team player Ed Freeman (24 not out), batting sensibly, found himself at number six, but the Lymington tail was long, and the last five wickets went down for 13 as Grant shot out the tail.

At least, it did not prevent 15-year-old Winston Loveless from getting some runs (7) under his belt and making his first team debut for the club, having come through the junior ranks.

It was always going to be a struggle for Lymington when South Wilts batted with conditions improving.

But Lymington got off to a good start, both openers back in the pavilion with only 28 on the board in falling to Liam Thompson, helped by a superb catch by Monam Abbas to remove Tom Cheater (10).

Harry Broderick (57) came to the fore and delivered an attacking knock off just 38 balls, which included 10 fours and two sixes.

He was helped by Tom Pearce (8) as the pair put on 52 for the third wicket before both were out to new Lymington player Alvin Cameron (2-32) in a lively spell generating some pace, including skittling the stumps of Cheater.

However, it was not enough as captain Ben Draper (31 not out) and Archie Fairfax-Ross (15 not out) saw South Wilts home by six wickets with 18 overs to spare.

Meanwhile Lymington were given a two-point deduction after last week’s ill-tempered contest with Basingstoke & North Hants, and player Robbie Hemmings is serving a two-match suspension.

Lymo are home to reigning champions Burridge in another timed game on Saturday with an 11am start.