Sparsholt 202-9 beat Tichborne Park 141 All Out by 61 runs

A solid all-round performance by the Cala Homes-sponsored Sparsholt, against neighbours Tichborne Park, reduced the gap between them on the table to just 10 points.

The hosts, Tichborne Park, got off to a good start after electing to bowl first, restricting Sparsholt to 18-2 in the first 10 overs.

Opener Michael Haworth was joined by David Gough, who together set about rebuilding the innings for the visitors. Haworth was eventually dismissed for 37, after a watchful partnership of 60.

At 81-3, the innings was still very delicately poised as skipper Andy Worth came to the crease.

Gough (67) and Worth (42) rotated well in between boundaries, combining for an 80 run stand, before Paul Primmer removed the injured captain.

As Gough continued for a well-crafted half-century, a quick fire cameo from Jon Vokes (19*) carried Sparsholt past the 200 run mark.

It turned out to be more than enough for the visitors as, despite Tichborne's rapid scoring rate, regular wickets saw them fall well short.

Strike bowler Alex Dilley (3-46) saw off the Tichborne top order before a defiant innings of 42 from Justin Reid came to end through spinner Mike Doubell (1-15).

Michael Haworth topped off an impressive all-round day, collecting 2 for 39 while Kyle Ruffell finished with 3 for 34.

Meanwhile, the Sparsholt 2nd XI recorded their first win of the season, chasing down Trojans 2nd XI's 225-9 to win by 7 wickets. A sensational knock of 142 by Stuart Tognarelli led the chase, with support from Tom Wilson (30) and Stephen Clifty (30).

The win completes a good week for the 'Trees' who also overcame neighbours St Cross Symondians in the Tichborne Trophy on Tuesday, as well as a comprehensive defeat of Follands in the National Village Knock Out.

Sparsholt restricted St Cross to 107-6 from their 16 overs, with Dave Gough claiming 1-18 and Kyle Ruffell 2-15 off their 4 overs.

A thrilling finish led to a bye off the final ball as Jon Sankey (10*) and Kyle Ruffell (48*) scampered Sparsholt through to 108-4 after rapid knocks from Tom Foster (22) and Tim Vokes (19).

On Sunday, sensational spells from seamers Alex Dilley and Michael Haworth reduced Follands to 35 all out in the NVKO, as both returned identical figures of 5-17. 

Stuart Tognarelli continued where he left off the day before, seeing off the total with a brisk 29 not out, alongside Mungo Patterson, as Sparsholt wrapped up a comprehensive win by 9 wickets.

The win takes Sparsholt through to the regional final on June 14th, where they will meet either Eversley or Hursley Park.

In contrast, an unfortunate middle order collapse against Fair Oak 4ths cost Sparsholt 3rd XI a seemingly straightforward win. 

Impressive spells from Jesse Ribiero (4-16), George Ellis (3-10) and Mungo Patterson (3-15) skittled Fair Oak for 95, however a collapse of 9 for 42 saw them fall 4 runs short.