Sparsholt 184 for 2 beat Eversley 182 for 4 by 8 wickets


Sparsholt, sponsored by Cala Homes, strolled past Eversley's competitive target of 182 to win the Regional Final of the National Village Knockout.

Having put Eversley in to bat on a good deck at Locks Lane, Sparsholt restricted the visitors, largely due to Alex Dilley (1-25) and Mike Haworth's (1-27) economic spells.

Eversley's Tom Howorth (55) and Alex Davidson (71) carried the visitors' innings, however it was to be far too little.

Sparsholt openers Mike Haworth (74 not out) and Stu Tognarelli (63) set about the innings at a blistering pace, passing 120 inside 15 overs. 

Despite Sam Glaze's two wickets, the hosts continued the assault, winning by 8 wickets with 98 balls remaining.

Sparsholt will meet the winner of the Berkshire division on June 28.

Saturday produced two thrilling encounters as the 1st XI travelled to Hursley Park, while the 2nd team hosted Amesbury.

Despite a strong start, reducing the hosts to 29-2, Sparsholt leaked runs in the field. A rapid middle order fight back and several dropped catches, helped Hursley Park to 232-7 from their 50 overs.

Jon Vokes (3-58) and Kyle Ruffell (3-49) both claimed 3 wickets, while Alex Dilley remained tight, conceding just 25 runs from his 10.

In reply, the visitors got off to a flyer as openers Kyle Ruffell and Stu Tognarelli raced to 40 inside 5 overs.

After Ruffell (38) departed at 67-1, Lewis Dunford (19) combined with Tognarelli to add a further 67. 

However, the loss of Tognarelli (78) sparked a flurry of wickets as Sparsholt slumped to 205 for 7, still 28 short, despite Alex Dilley's rapid 34.

It would be too much for the visitors, as the final wicket fell at 229, an agonising 3 runs shorts of victory.

Meanwhile at Locks Lane, 2nd XI captain Andy Pryce helped his side to victory over Amesbury, producing a strong all round performance, claiming 3 wickets to go with his 44 with the bat.

Setting the visitors 199 for victory, Sparsholt produced an impressive bowling and fielding display, creating 3 run outs and bowling Amesbury for 185 to record a 13 run win.

Next week, Sparsholt 1st XI travel to OT & Romsey, looking for revenge after their recent T20 clash.