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1st XI v Andover CC - Captains Report
Ed Bartlett18 May - 13:18
Opening Batsman, Spinners and Josh Bennett lay groudwork for Returning Overseas to finish in style.
New Milton CC 1st XI v Andover 1st XI
Saturday 17th May, Fernhill Sports Ground
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first at Fernhill, we knew we’d 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.
Thankfully, Josh Bennett (3-33) got us off to a dream start, striking twice in quick succession to leave Andover wobbling at 11 for 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 Cam Golding broke the back of their innings. He was superbly supported by our spin trio, with Thaakier (1 for 30) keeping things tight and James Adams (2 for 20) striking at key moments.
Andover were ultimately bowled out well inside 50 overs and fell short of what would be considered a par score at our home ground. 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.
With the bat, our 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 our returning overseas player – back after injury – to finish the job with flair. He struck a sparkling innings, peppering the boundary with 8 fours and a six, sealing victory with 13 overs to spare.
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 – a trip to Fawley on Saturday in the league, followed by the start of our T20 campaign with a visit to Totton and Eling.
Onwards and upwards!
Saturday 17th May, Fernhill Sports Ground
After losing the toss and being asked to bowl first at Fernhill, we knew we’d 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.
Thankfully, Josh Bennett (3-33) got us off to a dream start, striking twice in quick succession to leave Andover wobbling at 11 for 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 Cam Golding broke the back of their innings. He was superbly supported by our spin trio, with Thaakier (1 for 30) keeping things tight and James Adams (2 for 20) striking at key moments.
Andover were ultimately bowled out well inside 50 overs and fell short of what would be considered a par score at our home ground. 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.
With the bat, our 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 our returning overseas player – back after injury – to finish the job with flair. He struck a sparkling innings, peppering the boundary with 8 fours and a six, sealing victory with 13 overs to spare.
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 – a trip to Fawley on Saturday in the league, followed by the start of our T20 campaign with a visit to Totton and Eling.
Onwards and upwards!
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