The 2nd XI continued the club’s winning run with a thrilling 27-run victory away at Hyde, in a match packed with runs and momentum swings.

Stand-in captain Dan Wooster won the toss and chose to bat, with Sam Giles and Chris Eastment opening. After Hyde struck early to remove Eastment, Giles took control of the innings, overcoming an early dropped chance to deliver a superb performance. Alongside Richard Howard, the pair counter-attacked effectively, putting the Hyde bowlers under sustained pressure.

Giles produced a standout innings, scoring a magnificent maiden century—104 from just 68 balls—before being dismissed by Kieran Bull. Howard complemented him brilliantly, smashing 58 from only 27 deliveries. Wooster maintained the momentum with a rapid 36 off 20 balls, while contributions from Harry Beck (15), George Beck (15), and others ensured New Milton posted a formidable 310 all out in 37.4 overs.

Hyde responded positively, racing out of the blocks before Elliott Bennett made the breakthrough, removing Seth Loader for a quickfire 22. The hosts then rebuilt effectively, with Matthew Cakebread (57) and captain Sid Harris (52) leading a strong recovery.

The crucial intervention came from overseas player Grace Keating, who delivered a vital spell of 3 for 39, including the key wickets of Cakebread and Harris. She was well supported by a collective bowling effort, with Elliott Bennett returning figures of 3 for 70 from 7 overs and Dan Wooster producing an excellent spell of 3 for 41 from 6.1 overs. Harry Beck also played his part, delivering a controlled 8-over spell that yielded 1 for 38.

Despite losing further wickets, Hyde mounted a serious challenge through Chris Cooke and William Anderson, putting New Milton under increasing pressure. With the game finely balanced, Bennett struck immediately upon returning for his second spell, clean bowling Cooke for an excellent 72. Wooster then removed Anderson for 33, and the innings was wrapped up shortly afterwards, with Ben Griffiths completing a stumping to seal the result.

Hyde finished on 283 all out in 39.1 overs, handing New Milton a hard-fought 27-run victory. The win secured a full 24 points, keeping the 2nd XI top of the table with 71 points and a narrow but significant lead over their closest rivals.

The match was played in excellent spirit, and New Milton will look forward to welcoming Hyde for the return fixture later in the season.