SANKEY SEALS SPARSHOLT VICTORY

Davidstow National Village Knockout First Round

Sparsholt 217 for 5 beat Paultons 189 all out by 28 runs.

Cala Homes sponsored Sparsholt Cricket Club opened their National Village Knockout campaign as last year’s regional champions, but started the 2016 season with a tough looking game against Paultons at Locks Lane. Paultons won the toss and asked the hosts to bat, a decision they probably soon regretted as openers Stuart Tognarelli (73) and Mike Haworth (38) quickly added 73 before being parted in the fourteenth over. Tom Foster then helped Tognarelli take the score above 100 before Ed Jenner (52) made a welcome return to form with a good half century. Wickets were shared by the Paultons bowlers as the Sparsholt Innings closed at 217 for 5. In contrast, Paultons openers Lee Wateridge (18) and Mark Lamb were very watchful against the teenage opening bowlers Haworth and Nick Doubell (2 for 35). Only eighteen runs were scored off the first ten overs, before Rob O’Brien (36) increased the rate. With the Paultons score sitting at 80 for three at the half way point, Sparsholt looked firm favourites, but the powerful hitting of Tony Richman (53) was always likely to be a danger, and he got the visitors right back in the game with four sixes and five fours as he reached his half century. With the game back in the balance, Jon Sankey was introduced into the attack, removing Richman with a sharp stumping by veteran ‘keeper Martyn Ballands. Although Jack Murrell (27) also provided late resistance, once Sankey (who finished with figures of 4 for 41) removed him, Paultons gallant attempt ended. Haworth returned to take the ninth wicket and with Mike Johnson nursing a broken finger and unable to bat the innings ended 28 runs short. On Saturday, Sparsholt begin their Southern League campaign with a home match against Tichborne Park. New signings David Banks ,Richard Kenway and returning Jeremy Frith who are not eligible for the National Village matches this season will return to strengthen the side. Also returning will be wicket keeper Adam Gough, sidelined last season as a result of a cruciate ligament injury.

Photos included of Stuart Tognarelli, 73 for Sparsholt and Jon Sankey (4 for 41)