Match report: New Milton CC (164-5) seal five-wicket win to move into third place in the Southern Premier Cricket League (SPCL) Division Two table after beating Andover CC (161)
New Milton (164-5) showed that they will be a tough match for anyone this season, beating a decent Andover (161) side by five wickets at the Fernhill Sports Ground on Saturday to move into third in the league.
The win, their second from three matches, came off the back of a half-century showing from Thaakier Davids, who returned to the line-up after an injury and three wickets apiece from Cam Golding and Josh Bennett.
“Andover were ultimately bowled out well inside 50 overs and fell short of what would be considered a par score at our home ground,” said New Milton captain Ed Bartlett.
“I felt that in the first two weeks of the season, we bowled and fielded really well, but didn’t quite get the reward. Saturday’s performance was a step up even from that – clinical, disciplined, and determined – and this time we got the outcome we deserved.”
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, New Milton knew they would have to make early inroads on what looked to be, and proved to be, a good cricket wicket offering an even contest between bat and ball.
Bennett (3-33) got them off to a dream start, striking twice quickly to leave Andover wobbling at 11-2.
From there, their batters looked to rebuild, but the pressure never relented. The middle overs were where the tide truly turned – a fantastic spell of 3 for 45 from Golding broke the back of their innings. Fellow spinners – Thaakier (1-30), keeping things tight, and James Adams (2-20) striking at key moments – superbly supported Golding.
With the bat, the New Milton opening pair once again set the tone, reaching 80 without loss in 23 overs; they not only blunted Andover’s key bowlers but also set the platform for returning overseas player, Davids, to finish the job with flair.
Bartlett added: “He struck a sparkling innings, peppering the boundary with eight fours and a six, sealing victory with 13 overs to spare.
“A special mention again to Thaakier, who now has three fifties and a hundred in four innings this year, including pre-season friendlies, and is yet to be dismissed. His consistency and calmness at the crease have been invaluable – long may it continue.
“We collected full points from the win, moving us up to third in the table behind the unbeaten Langley Manor and Calmore Sports. Momentum is building, and we’re excited for a big week ahead.”
New Milton travel to face Fawley on Saturday in the league, followed by the start of their T20 campaign with a visit to Totton & Eling.