SPARSHOLT BOUNCE BACK

TREES UPROOT TROJANS

https://youtu.be/GL77S0V0X-4

SPARSHOLT 159 all out beat TROJANS 135 all out by 24 runs.

After four defeats in five games, and with several key players missing, CALA Homes sponsored Sparsholt produced perhaps the surprise result of the season when they sent top of the table Trojans to only their second loss this season.

Andy Worth was without David Banks, Richard Kenway, Tom Foster and the Gough brothers, and Sparsholt looked in deep trouble at 43 for five (Stuart Tognarelli 24) when Worth himself was dismissed. Jamie Skeoch (36) again bolstered the middle order as he and Kyle Ruffell (16) added 46 for the sixth wicket, before Chris Mitchell (23) also made a good contribution on his first Southern League start for the ‘Trees’. Even so, at 124 for 9, a competitive total looked unlikely, but final pair Jon Vokes (14) and teenager Nayan Phagami (10 not out) added a vital partnership of 35. 

Wickets were shared by the Trojans bowlers, with the consistent Jamie Donaldson (3 for 26) most successful, and Faisal Rahim and Syed Mahmood grabbing two each.

Trojans were also without key players – the influential Nigel Le Bas, opening bat Simon Williams and Mario Mohammed - but they moved smoothly to 45 after an early wicket for Nick Doubell. Dan Babidge (38) and Ed Pope (25) took the score on to 94 for 3, Mike Haworth having taken two wickets for 28. Jon Vokes  (2 for 27) then took wickets in successive overs, and two fell in Jeremy Frith’s fourth over leaving the visitors suddenly  floundering at 105 for seven, with 55 still needed for victory. Kyle Ruffell (2 for 31)  returned to the attack, taking wickets in his second spell as has happened often this season, before Frith (2 for 14 in his now customary frugal spell) took the final wicket to give the hosts victory. Sparsholt remain in sixth place in the table with four games remaining, skipper Worth was delighted by the efforts of his battling team ‘ we have been trying to strengthen our playing squad for several seasons, and this win shows that we have’. Sparsholt go to bottom club Paultons on Saturday, who will be desperate to improve their position at the expense of the Trees. 

ODIHAM and GREYWELL 275 for 5 beat SPARSHOLT II 146 all out by 129 runs.

WEAKENED SECONDS WELL BEATEN

Unfortunately with several regulars bolstering the first team, Andy Pryce’s men travelled to League leaders Odiham with a much weakened side. Greg Whiting, Will Rowe and Jose Ribeiro each took an early wicket, but then Pryce’s bowlers found it difficult to contain prolific Odiham batsmen K. Munt (123) and A. Green (67), in a partnership of 161 on the fastest outfield of the year, despite a brilliant fielding display throughout by 17 year old Nick White.

Chasing 275, the pressure was very much on the Sparsholt batsman. Opener Tom Wilson responded with a great innings of 73, easily his best for the club, but no one else was able to contribute significantly as wickets fell fairly regularly to leave the visitors well short on 146 as they were bowled out with 2 overs to go.

Despite the loss The seconds remain in  a comfortable 8th position in the league as they look forward to the last 3 matches of the season and hope for better availability!