Sparsholt 178 for 6 beat Bashley II 175 all out by 4 wickets.

Sparsholt Cricket Club, proudly sponsored by Cala Homes, returned to winning ways against Bashley, picking up their first league win of the season. Opting to bat first on a flat looking pitch at The Norman Edwards Ground, Locks Lane; the visitors got off to a steady start with both openers finding the fence early. After Alex Dilley trapped Patrick Holly in front for 17, Bashley then raced to 85 inside 18 overs.

Skipper Andy Worth's introduction of spin duo Mike Doubell and Dave Gough slowed the run rate down quite dramtically, with the pressure bringing the wickets of Ridley and Naughton. From 100-3 at drinks, the innings continued to go downhill for the visitors, as Gough (2-24) and Doubell (3-26) took control of the middle overs.

By the time the seamers returned, the damage had been done at 130-7. A late cameo from Neil Taylor (29) helped Bashley to 175 before Jon Vokes (1-8) and Kyle Ruffell (2-45) saw off the tail.

The afternoon marked the first Sparsholt appearance for veteran wicket keeper Martin Ballands, who recently completed his transfer from Portsmouth CC, and he capped his debut with a catch and an impressive run out. Welcome to Sparsholt Martin! 

Once again, youngsters Mike Haworth (45) and Tom Foster (48) produced strong performances to chip away at the total, despite regular wickets falling throughout the innings.

Opener Haworth fell just before drinks, having combined well with Ruffell (21) and Foster to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Foster continued the attack with Dave Gough (17) and later Andy Worth (18 not out) before falling two short of a well deserved half century. 

A couple lofted blows from Alex Dilley saw Sparsholt over the line to lift themselves to seventh on the table, taking a healthy 22 points from the clash.

This week the ‘trees’ travel to neighbours Tichborne Park looking to gather momentum, while on Sunday, Sparsholt hope to welcome back former captain Tim Vokes and veteran all-rounder Jon Sankey, as they host Follands at Locks Lane, in the regional semi final of the National Village Knock Out Competition. The bar will be open and all spectators are welcome.

Meanwhile – the second team – who on paper fielded a much stronger side than in previous weeks, continued their losing streak being bowled out for 75 – which Andover III were able to get with ease and at the expense of just one wicket.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first -  Only Simon Herridge - 22 and Nayan Phagani - 15 got into double figures as the innings folded for 75 after 29 overs (R. Taylor 5 - 3). Tight bowling from Haidar Asmari, Greg Whiting, Tom Proctor and George Ellis delayed Andover's chase but in the end A. Duckworth's 48 not out allowed them to win comfortably by 9 wkts.

Sparsholt 3s enjoyed their first win of the new season beating Hartley Whitney by 6 wickets at Bramshill Police College.