Hawkley v Andover IV.

An Andover IV XI, consisting of youth and maturity ventured into the beautiful village of Hawkley to one of the most picturesque grounds in the league.

On a very damp pitch Andover won the toss and decided to have a bowl which looked less than wise when after eight overs Hawkley had got away to 67-0.

However some controlled bowling, holding two catches and great fielding restricted Hawkley to 161 all out in 40 overs.

Olly Palmer (1-20), a 14-year old leg spinner whose control bellied his years, Eleanor Ingram for some great keeping and Michael Brown (2-14) showed great control. It was Alex Aldridge though who claimed the ball afterwards with fine figures of 6-28.

Andover came out with high hopes of chasing the score down but things went quickly awry with Neil Poynter out early. Aldridge and Will Morton both played well to steady the innings and things still looked hopeful until two quick wickets meant that things started to look challenging.

There was brief hope as Ingram and Aldridge seemed to retrench but a good ball did for Ingram and then there was a steady fall of wickets.

A last wicket flurry of 27 restored some respectability with Matt Morton gallantly battling for a well earned nought and Michael Brown playing some crisp shots for a deft 19 not out.

Again though, capping off a spectacular day personally, Aldridge showed the way with a classy 55 as Andover were all out for 123 and so Hawkley took the honours.