Sparsholt, sponsored by Cala Homes, missed out on a third successive victory as league leaders Rowledge narrowly beat them by three runs.

Sparsholt won the toss and elected to bat. Opener Ed Jenner hit two 4s before he was bowled early on for 8 by Ryan Flesch. Jayden Derosa and Lewis Dunford looked solid against an accurate bowling attack and a well-placed field, with their partnership reaching 50. Having built the score up to 77-1, Dunford was bowled for 35. Stu Tognarelli put an end to his recent runless streak upping the run rate  as he made 19 before he was bowled by Flesch. Derosa reached his first 50 of the season as he and Dave Gough pushed the score forward to 144-3. However miscommunication led to Derosa being run out for 57, as Sparsholt’s middle order increased the run rate still furthers. Dave Gough was caught for 19 by Yates and John Sankey was run out for 5. At the other end though, Tim Vokes tore apart Rowledge’s bowling with some impressive boundaries. Vokes was finally caught for 35, pushing the score up to 188-7. Captain Andy Worth (4), Jon Vokes (5) and Alex Dilley (3) batted out the remainder of Sparsholt’s 50 overs, with Dilley being caught on the last ball of the innings. Sparsholt finished on 197-9. The pick of the bowlers was Tim Wheatley, who took 2-29 in his 10 overs.

The league leaders looked in trouble as they lost early wickets. On his first ball, Jon Vokes dismissed Rowledge’s opener Chris Yates for 1. Not to be outdone, Alex Dilley trapped Morant lbw for 0 in the very next over. Just as the new batsmen began to settle in, Dilley took his second wicket as Falsch looped the ball straight to Tognarelli who took the catch. Rowledge looked in disarray as they fell to 24-4, with Dilley taking his third wicket, trapping Taylor lbw for 9. Chris Yates and Broad steadied Rowledge’s innings, putting on another 20 runs. Sparsholt needed a wicket, and Tim Vokes broke through, as wicketkeeper Adam Gough took a superb diving catch low to his left to dismiss Yates for 4. Broad and Lloyd added 46 as Rowledge upped the intensity, but Dave Gough managed to dismiss them both, with Lloyd going lbw for 16 and Broad chipping straight to Dilley for 36. The Rowledge lower order seized upon some looser Sparsholt bowling, accelerating to 149-7. Dave Gough broke through again though, with Ed Jenner making an excellent diving catch to dismiss Martin for 27. The game looked to be going right to the wire, as Alex Dilley bowled Wish (36) for his fourth wicket, leaving the visitors on 179-9. Sparsholt had chances to win the game, with John Sankey’s lbw appeal turned down and a run out opportunity was spurned. The match ended on a sour note for Sparsholt, with Rowledge’s winning runs coming through a bye, but the visitor’s celebrations showed how closely Sparsholt had run them. Rowledge’s tight bowling proved to be the key factor in their victory, as they gave away only 7 extras, whilst Sparsholt gave away 42.

Sparsholt’s second team won convincingly against Crown Taverners to maintain their 100% record this season.

Sparsholt batted first, with openers David Coulthard and Thomas Foster batting for 16 overs without loss, setting a platform for the later batsman. Simon Herridge, Craig Charlesworth batted well, Richard Vaughan, 88 not out, and Mike Doubell 60, batted with incredible power, hitting many big sixes into the car park. One of Sparsholt's talented U15 players, Nayan Phagami finished the innings with a 6 off the very last ball, pushing Sparsholt’s total to 288.

Crown Tavenors never looked like getting anywhere near Sparsholt’s total. They batted through their overs, finishing on 199 for 9. The main wicket takers were Thomas Foster with 3 wickets and Nick Doubell with 2 wickets.

Sparsholt invest a lot of effort encouraging their colts to play adult cricket with over 10 U15 boys now playing regularly for the adult teams. It's great to see them contributing with their excellent performances.

Sparsholt’s Under 15s team will compete in the Hampshire Cup final, after opponents New Milton were unable to field a side for their semi-final clash. They will face Basingstoke in the final at Hursley Park on the 30th June at 6pm.