Uwe Birkenstock hit a record breaking 202 on Sunday against Challow and Childrey
Powells sponsored Andover notched up the first win of the season over basement boys Hursley Park at London Road on Saturday.
In a must-win game, skipper Roger Miller won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a perfect batting pitch. However, after a great start from Tim Saye who blitzed 29 off 17 balls, Andover found themselves reeling at 60-6. None of the top order batsmen applied themselves and if it wasn't for the final pair of Richard Taylor and Chris Hadfield, Andover would have been bowled out for under 100 for the second week running.
Although batting at ten and 11, Hadfield and Taylor showed how it should be done, putting on 80 and guiding Andover to a respectable 178 all out. This ultimately match winning partnership showed how strong the Andover batting line up is this year, with the pair looking like accomplished batsmen and playing shots all round the ground.
Andover applied themselves better in the field as they set about defending their total. Good opening spells from Taylor and Jason Williams tied the Hursley batsmen down and useful spells from spin twins Uwe Birkenstock and Chris Hadfield meant that Hursley were always behind the required run rate. Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout and they never looked in contention.
Taylor was among the wickets again, taking 3-12, in what was a good all round performance for him. Eventually, Hursley were bowled out for 120, 58 runs short of their target.
Andover Sunday rewrote the Border League record books with a superb all-round performance against Challow and Childrey at London Road.
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On a baking hot day, skipper Matt Hooper batted and Uwe Birkenstock dominated the huge Andover total of 338-3 off their 42 overs with a masterful 202 not out. The South African star punished any loose bowling and was ably supported by Jonty Hadfield (78) and Jody Everett (30) who skilfully rotated the strike in order to enable Birkenstock to notch up his, and the Border League's, highest ever individual score.
The fielding innings was a formality as Challow and Childrey lost wickets at regular intervals as an explosive opening spell from John Foster saw him notch up his first five wicket haul of the season. Foster was supported by Hooper (1-39), Luke Andrews, Matt Knight and Mike Adams who restricted the visitors to 210 and the final result was never in doubt.
This victory provided Andover with a good warm up for this Sunday's opening round of the Cockspur Cup where they entertain Hursley Park.
Portchester v Andover II.
THE SECONDS travelled to the south coast to play Portchester, in their first fixture of a new league campaign.
After winning the toss and with temperatures soaring, Dean Woodhouse was happy to put Portchester in to field and have first use of the pitch. Openers Steve Williams and Mark Copleston got the town side away to a steady start on a pitch that was offering some indifferent bounce and sideways movement.
Williams was unluckily given out for 12 but partner Mark Copleston remained resolute under difficult conditions to play an exquisite innings and carry his bat for the whole 48 overs. He eventually finished on 76 no. With Mark proving to be the glue for the innings, a number of partnerships blossomed with contributions from Rob Aitkens (15), Luke Graham (22) and Mike Adams (43) getting Andover up to a more than competitive score.
The coup de grâce came as Portchester side wilted in the heat and Copleston and John Foster (38) smashed the bowling to all parts, amassing 63 off the final six overs and leaving Andover on 234-8 from their 48 overs.
In the field, Andover began strongly, removing both openers cheaply. A partnership then developed between Locket (22) and Hungerford (52) but once Locket was caught behind off a spitting lifter from seamer Mike Adams with the score at 83, the home side offered little more in the way of resistance. The Andover bowling attack powered through, taking the final eight wickets for just 20 runs. Luke Graham took 3-7 off eight overs, evergreen Andy Hooper, 3-12 and skipper Dean Woodhouse 3-18. The bowling was again supported by excellent fielding, including an outfield catch by Rob Aitkens that would have graced any cricket arena.
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