SPCL Division Two cricket: New Milton's Thaakier Davids top scores to see off New Forest rivals Sway

SPCL Division Two

New Milton CC 215-8

Sway CC 172

NEW Milton climbed to second in the league after securing back-to-back victories, this time dominating against rivals Sway.

The Green & Golds have been in excellent form this season, and they were ruthless during a 43-run victory at the Fernhill Sports Ground.

Thaakier Davids was the star of the show during New Milton’s innings, firing off an aggressive 89 runs, while Sway’s Jon Grasham had the best bowling figures for the visitors.

In response, Dan Bailey and David Steadman each scored 32 runs, but an inspired Lee Beck struck late to tear through the Sway tail and lead his side to victory.

New Milton skipper Ed Bartlett put his side into to bat first after winning the toss, and Sway sent out Jon Waller and David Steadman to open the bowling.

In the third over, with three runs scored, James Adams was the first victim when he was caught by Will Crossley off a Steadman (1-33) delivery.

Second-wicket partners Ollie Shrubsole (14) and Davids combined to add 55 runs before Shrubsole became the first of Richard Thomas’s (3-10) eventual three victims, with Grasham taking the catch.

Davids was a constant thorn in the Sway bowler’s side, and he eventually finished with 89 runs in a knock that included 10 fours and a six. By the time Crossley caught him off Grasham’s (4-39) ball, the scores stood at 201-8.

Skipper Bartlett contributed 29 off 39 balls, and Ollie Pugh (22) also played his part, while Lihan Laubscher (8 not out) and the returning Ryan Beck (7 not out) saw out the final overs.

In response, New Milton also took their first wicket in the third over, with Bartlett (2-31) taking Tim Noble’s (3) wicket with Sway at 8-1, with Bartlett’s other wicket coming 16 runs later when Shrubsole caught John Walter (14).

One of Sway’s star men this season, Will Crossley, was next to fall after scoring 25 runs, caught behind by wicketkeeper Ed Wooster thanks to veteran all-rounder Lee Beck (3-35).

Sway never really got going with the bat, and once Steadman and Dan Bailey fell, the writing was on the wall.

New Milton were grateful to have Ryan Beck (2-27) back in the line-up, with the long-time Green & Golds servant taking two wickets in his first two overs.

New Milton finally saw off the Sway threat when Thomas and Waller tried to run a single after a Lee Beck delivery, with Bartlett reacting quickly to run out Thomas.

New Milton, who squeezed ahead of Portsmouth & Southsea CC into second place, takes on St Cross Symondians CC seconds away from home on Saturday at 12.30pm.

At the same time, Sway hosts New Forest rivals Langley Manor at Jubilee Fields.