Ayers unbeaten on 66 as Amport finish in style (From Andover Advertiser)

Ayers unbeaten on 66 as Amport finish in style

10:54am Friday 2nd September 2011 in Cricket

Nicholas Howard-sponsored Amport finished their 2011 season in style at the Peacocks Ground on Saturday with a fine victory over Littleton and Westhill.

On a damp pitch, Amport skipper Nick Bone won a vital toss and put the visitors into bat. The early breakthrough came from Leighton Bone picking up Mark Dibden caught behind by Iain Baxendine.

Over two saw a smart bit of fielding from Charlie Ayers run out Nigel Louth and already Littleton were on the back foot. Visting skipper Nigel Dibben looked like a class batsman and held the innings on track, while at the other end Dan Charnter was riding his luck. However, together they put on 64 before the dangerous Dibben was caught by Paul Bruen off the bowling of Andy Cattle. That wicket really sent the wobbles through Littleton and with all the Amport bowlers keeping a tight line and length on a difficult wicket, Littleton never really looked like posting much of a total. Graham White bowled a very tidy eight over spell taking 2 for 22 with Charlie Ayers also picking wickets up at the other end.

The reintroduction of openers Rory Chetwyn-Talbot (2 for 13) and Bone (4 for 40) sealed the first inning advantage as Littleton closed all out for 144.

In reply Amport openers Graham White and Charlie Ayers immediately looked comfortable and runs came quickly..

After White was dismissed, Ayers meant business and, with Andy Cattle scoring quickly at 3, in no time Amport had passed the 100 mark. Lee Ayers (16) tried to finish it in style but was bowled by G Bird, which left Nick Bone (16 no) the simple task of seeing Amport across the line with seven wickets in hand and 15 overs remaining.

Ayers finished unbeaten on 66.

n On a cloudy day at Hampton Park, Amport 2nds won the toss and elected to field believing that the artificial surface would not deteriorate and play into the hands of the Hampton spinners.

After a tricky first over the Amport openers soon settled into a rhythm and Clive Hacker claimed the first wicket. Young Sam Birks began with two immaculate maidens, and then took a wicket with the first ball of his third over.

However, Amport’s success was soon forgotten as a powerful display of aggressive hitting moved Hampton onto 86 by the drinks break.

At the end of their allocated overs Hampton Park were 217-8.

The Amport innings began with both openers receiving a generous helping of the short stuff on an artificial surface with plenty of bounce.

However, they found runs difficult to come by and had to be content with a final total of 118-8 and a 99-run defeat.

This was by no means a bad performance, and the three points gained ensured survival.