South Wilts Cop it (From Andover Advertiser)

South Wilts Cop it

8:36pm Tuesday 16th June 2009

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Andover II hosted top of the league South Wilts II and put in another fine all round performance to make it two wins on the trot.

Having won the toss the home skipper made the brave decision of asking the opposition to bat on yet another well prepared London Road pitch. Fine opening spells from Alex Garman (1-45) and John Foster (0-38) didn’t pick up the rewards they deserved with both regularly beating the bat. Skipper Mike Adams (1-58) picked up the wicket of the skipper which signalled an extremely tight spell for Andover with the introduction of the returning Dean Woodhouse (1-24), who put in a delightful spell.

The impressive Jonty Hadfield (2-32) at the other end kept the pressure on, as South Wilts struggled to 203-6 off their 50 overs.

Andover’s response got off to a slow start with Garman, Hadfield and Tim Clarke falling early but they were the only wickets to fall, as it brought Mark Copleston to the crease (125 not out) who appears to be having the season of his life. With Faisal Iqbal (49no), who knocked the ball round the ground, Copleston battered the bowlers for his second century of the season and set up a seven wicket victory.

l ANDOVER V’s run of good form was brought to an abrupt end on Saturday with a crushing defeat at local rivals Broughton.

Despite losing the wicket of Lydeard early on, Broughton’s batsmen were always on top. Ian Bussey was the star of the show, punishing any loose bowling on the way to a classy century as Broughton eventually finished up on 283-4. Andover skipper Pete van der Westhuizen (2-50), Dan Leavesley (1-46) and debutante Richard Woodley (1-36) were the pick of the visitor’s bowling attack.

In reply, Andover started solidly and openers Richard Channon (37) and Chris Hooper (21) stood firm and kept the score ticking along at the required rate. However, the loss of Channon sparked a flurry of wickets and Andover were soon up against it. Bussey claimed five wickets to go with his early century as Andover crumbled and, when John Copleston (19) was out hopes faded and the visitors eventually were 128 all out.

Andover look to return to winning ways tomorrow, when they host Steeple Langford II.

Reports and picture from Andover CC in Friday's Advertiser

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