What will the members of Lymington Cricket Club be hoping for at the end of their beds come Christmas morning?

Dave Gelling: Some toys to replace the ones he threw out of his pram after the Sparsholt match last summer.
Christian Pain: The Michelin Good Hotel Guide so he won't have to spend any more nights under the covers.
Bryn Darbyshire: Mark Jackson's forward defensive.
Mark Jackson: Bryn Darbyshire's cow shot.
Pete Smith: Some cotton wool to wrap his crocked ankle in so he doesn't injure himself before next season.
Trevor Phillips: A gun and Harry Redknapp's address.
Trish: A new thong to replace the one that Pete Smith was last seen wearing.
Tickle Jenkin: A carbon-dating kit so we can finally assertain his true age.
Malcolm Douglas: A new cricket shirt to replace that horrible badminton top.
Lloyd Scott: A video of his recent batting form in the indoor league to send to the First XI captain when the outdoor season begins.
Geoff Renshaw: A new jumper - surely it's time the old one was consigned to the Natural History Museum.
Martin Gregory: A recording contract or, failing that, a GPS Nav System so he can find the batsman.
Lymington Fourth XI: 11 players would be nice.
Jim Lowe: Another pair of hands so he can mend the sightscreens, clean the clubhouse, captain the Thirds, run the colts, etc, etc...
Adie Hunt: Promotion for the First XI, and a really fit bird. Not necessarily in that order.

Lymington CC Winter Training at Walhampton
Lymington have again been offered the use of Hordle-Walhampton School's magnificent indoor facilities for their winter training.

Colts training nights will run on Wednesday evenings from 18th January through to 15th March from 6.30-8pm. Players will receive a letter in due course telling them which evenings apply to their particular age group. More details can be obtained from Tony Wharton on 023 80 292696.

Senior Nets will be starting at Walhampton on Tuesday 7th February - Adie Hunt has all the details: 07834 976809.

Coaching Course for under 10 and 11's
Cricket New forest is holding a holiday coaching course at Hordle & Walhampton School on the 20th & 21st December from 10am -4pm cost £50.00 for Under 10's & under 11's.

The Level 2 & 3 coaches attending are Zimbabwe A coach Shane Cloute, James Hibberd, Iain Brunnschweiler and James Newell.

Booking form

Any Lymington members wishing to celebrate Christmas a week early are welcome to come along to the Kings Head on Quay Hill this Saturday evening (17th) from 7.30pm. CJ will hopefully be in attendance to reminisce about his Christmas experiences during the war, and the informal get-together will almost certainly culminate with a visit the Killer Curry House across the road where Bob Iles will undoubtedly upset the staff by wearing a napkin on his head and shouting a lot in a very bad Indian accent.

All-rounder Bryn guides Lymington into Quarter finals
A fine all round display from a hobbling Bryn Darbyshire helped Lymington secure a place in the last eight of the New Forest Indoor League Cup, match report

Lymo are Record Breakers
Lymington rewrote the New Forest Indoor League record books last Sunday by piling up an amazing 235 for 1 in just 12 overs. Full story.

Back down to earth with a bump as Hedge End defeat Lymo

Having beaten the National Indoor Cricket runners up, Southern Premier League double winners and top of the table BAT CC 'A' in the previous match Lymington played Hedge End but unfortunately came unstuck. Match report

Several former Lymingtonian cricketers are currently plying their trade down in Australia - with varying degrees of success. We take a look at how things are going for them.

Last season's relegation saviour Pete Smith hasn't been able to hold down a permanent spot in Balmain's First Grade side since returning home. And this despite his awesome first innings back in Sydney when he smashed an unbeaten 185 in just 78 balls. Pete was briefly promoted to Firsts following that knock, but was bowled for a duck and swiftly dumped back in the Seconds! Since then he has been helping the Tiger's Second XI climb up to second place in the Grade ladder. Pete is planning to return to Lymington next summer.

Meanwhile Karl Whatham has enjoyed a disappointing start to the season following his move from Balmain to North Sydney. His new team lie in 16th place in the Sydney First Grade ladder - just one place above his old club. Karl scored around 800 runs for Balmain in the last Australian summer, but his only major innings of note so far this season came against Campletown-Camden when he scored 64.

Over in Perth, former Lymo spinner Aaron Heal is enjoying life following his move from perennial strugglers Rockingham to Perth. The lanky slow left armer has a couple of half centuries to his name, and has also been among the wickets for his club side, but admits that his prospects of making the breakthrough with the Western Australia state side are fading fast. "The WA selectors don't pick spinners anymore, so it's almost impossible for me to get a game," he lamented. Team-mates at Perth include ex-Bashley star Luke Ronchi and Adam Gilchrist. "Gilly's a great bloke" said Aaron; "he's only played the once, and it rained unfortunately, but he bought us all loads of beer!" Aaron, who has recently completed a groundsman's course, hopes to return to England next summer and is already looking to forward to visiting the Sports Ground to indulge in a few beers with his old friends!

Wayner ponders his future after being dumped for a girl

Finally, we have a sad tale of woe to report from darkest Tasmania where ex-Lymington off spinner Wayne Smith has been playing for South Hobart Sandy Bay Cricket Club. The portly spinner is spending the winter Down Under with his Fawley team-mate Alex Doolan - a Tasmanian who made a great impression for the Oilers in the Hampshire League last season. Having played the first few matches for his new club's Second Grade side, Wayne was horrified to discover that he had been sensationally dropped . . . in favour of a GIRL! "I was absolutely gutted when I was told" admitted a shattered Wayne. "Apparently they reckon she can turn the ball more than I can!" He added: "Mind you, she can't bat like me - she plays straight!" Rumour has it that Lymington captain Adie Hunt had been keen to re-sign Wayner to solve his sides spinning problems, but may now turn his attention to the girl instead!

Lymington suffered their first defeat of the New Forest Indoor season as they fell to a 4 wicket defeat against leaders New Milton. Match report.

When we heard that lumbering beasts had been spotted roaming the Sports Ground we assumed that Bob Iles had announced his comeback. But it transpired that the beasts in question were a herd of Water Buffalo who had escaped from their farm in Pennington. According to reports in the national press, half a dozen of the animals strolled through the town around midnight last Thursday, taking in visits to Waitrose car park, the Sports Ground and churchyard before finally ending up in Lower Buckland just a stone's throw from John McGuirk's house. Quite what John made of all this on his way home from the Borough Arms is anyone's guess!

The Buffalo were reported to have caused little damage during their unannounced visit and were eventually rounded up by six policemen and escorted back to their field.

The five-piece band had seen off 50 other groups on their way to the finals which were held at Covent Garden. Backed by an enthusiastic coachload of supporters, RoShambo (which, in case you were wondering, is the proper name for the game Paper-Scissors-Stone) won the vote of the six judges at the Rock Garden with their impressive mix of indie, funk, techno and rock. Second XI regular Gregors is now hoping that the group's success in London will lead to a future recording contract.

Gregors – who lists his musical influences as indie legends Ian Brown and the Super Furry Animals – formed the band just 18 months ago, and also included in the line-up is brother Steve who plays lead guitar. Lymington members will recall the memorable set the two of them played at the Sports Ground a couple of years ago. Musical talent obviously runs in the Gregory family – the pair's Great Uncle Lewis often provides the musical accompaniment to our social nights at the Sports Ground on his electric organ.

RoShamble regularly play at the Thomas Tripp in town, but their next big gig takes place at The Brook in Southampton on November 26th. More information on the band, plus pictures and downloads can be found at www.thebo.co.uk.

Volunteer Coaching Courses
Attached are details of 2 coaching courses, this year.
Course1 today! Course2 26 November

The 'Lymington Effect' appears to be working again. This time last year Karl Whatham returned to Australia and recorded some amazing scores back in First Grade cricket, and now Pete Smith has announced his arrival back in Sydney with an awe-inspiring comeback performance. Just three days after stepping off the plane, Pete smacked a sensational 185 not out in just 78 balls as his Balmain Tigers side rattled up 328 in 50 overs against North Sydney in their Second Grade encounter.

Pete Smith in familiar slogging style

Described by the Balmain captain as "the greatest ever innings in Tigers history!", Pete's stunning knock included three mighty hits clean out of the North Sydney Oval - no mean feat considering that grandstands and terracing surround much of the historic old arena. The man they call 'Crazy Eyes' had reached his half-century in a relatively sedate 34 balls before accelerating to his ton from a further 20 deliveries. But then Pete really exploded, smashing his final 85 runs in an unbelievable 24 balls! The penultimate over saw Pete bludgeon 32 runs.

Ironically, in an exclusive interview with this website just before he flew home, Pete doubted if his return would be anywhere near as fruitful as Karl's, mainly because he thought he would probably try to hit every ball out of the ground just like he did at Lymington. Well, it seems as though he did try to hit every ball out of the ground. . . and it looks as though he succeeded!! A full account of Pete's heroic innings can be found on the Balmain Tigers website at www.uts-balmaintigerscc.org.

Pete's monumental innings will surely herald a swift return to the Balmain First Grade side. The Tigers have been weakened by the loss of Aussie quickie Nathan Bracken to Eastern Suburbs and a certain Karl Whatham who has joined North Sydney. On the plus side Balmain have signed promising Kent youngster Joe Denley, and they will also have the former England Test batsman Graham Thorpe available to play when his New South Wales commitments allow.

On the other side of Australia another former Lymington favourite has been on the move. Aaron Heal has left Rockingham-Mandurah to join Perth. The left arm spinner who spent the 2002 season at the Sports Ground teams up with Luke Ronchi (who is rumoured to be returning to Bashley next Summer) and Aussie keeper Adam Gilchrist who makes occasional appearances for the club.

Pete Smith - the definitive interview

Shortly before departing these shores, popular Aussie Pete Smith spent an evening telling www.lymingtoncc.com about his summer in England. He recalled the high and low points of his time with Lymington and about a highly successful season which saw him score 570 league runs and take 25 wickets. And he ended the interview on a heartening note by revealing that he hopes to return to the club for the 2006 season. The interview

Found on a New Zealand web site:
Cricket: The Ashes 'foot in mouth' awards  

14.09.05 

Around two dozen Lymington players and members were at Lords on Saturday to witness Hampshire¹s superb 18 run win over Warwickshire in the C&G Trophy final. Indeed the match could be described as one big Southern Premier League and Hampshire League outing with hundreds of familiar faces from around the county to be seen on the train on the way up and at the home of cricket itself.

Spectator accommodation at the ground varied greatly, with some people in the cheap seats at the back while MCC member Neil Trestrail lorded it in the pavilion with the stiffs. The atmosphere inside the ground was surprisingly good for Lords with the Haaaampsheeer supporters in good voice. Hampshire's inability to make a big 300 plus total after a fantastic start actually made for a closer finish than most fans would have liked, but Bell's cramp and some tight bowling when it really mattered ensured that Warwickshire were always fighting a losing battle. Hampshire followers were already celebrating the victory when the umpires inflicted a 6 run penalty for slow over-rate, but it mattered not as Tremlett bowled Ntini to give Hampshire their first one-day trophy in 13 years. There were many great highlights during the day, but perhaps the most memorable moment was the emotional standing ovation that commentator Richie Benaud received during the Warwickshire innings - not to mention the wicket that fell very next ball. Nice one Richie!

Hampshire players lap of honour Empty seats in view were where Warwickshire fans were sitting...

Unfortunately the day ended on a bitter note for Lymington Fourth XI skipper Meg Gannaway who was forced to drink a pint of lager in the Light of India curry house, St Johns Wood following the match. As the photo clearly shows, staunch bitter drinker Meg was stunned to discover that the restaurant only served Kingfisher Lager. A sad end to a great day.

Fourth XI v Bashley - match report
Lymo v Island Taverners - match report - Adam gets 126

Lymington skipper Adie Hunt (pictured) is hoping that his side can put their poor home form behind them as they go into Saturday's crucial SPL encounter with Hungerford at the Sports Ground. Since defeating Havant in their first home game on June 4th, Lymo have failed to win at the Sports Ground and have not even registered a three figure total in any of the four subsequent matches. This contrasts sharply with their performances on the road which have seen Lymington rattle up 348 and 296 in their last two away fixtures.

Adie will also be praying that run machine Pete Smith finally comes good at the Sports Ground. The powerful Aussie has now notched up 536 league runs, but staggeringly only TWELVE of those runs have come at Lymington! This gives Pete an average of 87.34 in away matches, but just 2.40 in home fixtures.

Saturday's visitors Hungerford are almost safe from relegation following their narrow win over OTs & Romsey last Saturday, although they are still one of six teams that could potentially join doomed Calmore in Division Three next season. The real battle would appear to be between Lymington, Havant II, Sparsholt and OTs. Sparsholt have the easier run-in with matches against Havant II, Hungerford and Rowledge, while OTs and Lymington face the tougher prospect of taking on high flying Rowledge and Ventnor. The Islanders may well travel to the Sports Ground on the final day of the season needing a win to secure the title, so a rapid return to form at home against Hungerford this Saturday is vitally important for Lymington.

If the situation at the foot of the SPL is tight, then spare a thought for the Fourth XI. Captain Meg Gannaway had virtually resigned himself to relegation following last weeks defeat at Mudeford . . . but then discovered that his team had actually GONE UP two places in the table despite the loss! At this rate, defeats in their final three matches should ensure a top half finish!

Dale Middleton Memorial Match
This Sunday Lymington and Bashley meet at the Sports Ground to remember Dale Middleton. The talented young all rounder played colts cricket for Lymington and progressed on to Bashley First XI in the Southern League before his tragic death in 2003. The senior match, which starts at 2pm, will be preceded by an Under 15 match between the two clubs at 10.30am. Friends of Dale are welcome to attend.

Adie's First XI v Havant match report

Meg's Fourth XI v Mudeford match report
Meg's Brian Rickman Memorial Trophymatch report

SEPL Results and League Tables for 23 Jul 05

Crunch time at Calmore!
Lymington venture to Calmore Sports tomorrow for a match that neither side can afford to lose. Like ourselves, Calmore lost several key players over the winter and have suffered as a result. They currently sit at the bottom of the table with just one victory - a 3 wicket win over OTs & Romsey back in May. They were skittled out for just 60 last week at Rowledge and almost certainly need to win tomorrow to retain any realistic hopes of avoiding the drop. Lymington, meanwhile, were buoyed by last week's morale-boosting 41 run win at Romsey and know that a win at Loperwood Park would further enhance their survival prospects.

Lloyd Scott returns to the team in place of Christian Pain who is busy blowing up balloons for his engagement party, while Tom Carter comes in for Simon King after scoring a half century for the Twos last week. Having guided Lymington out of yet another precarious start last Saturday, Mark Jackson deservedly retains his openers spot.
Full side: A Hunt, M Hunt, M Jackson, M Burrett, P Smith, B Derbyshire, T Carter, E Carter, E Molloy, T Phillips, L Scott

The Second XI face a tricky home fixture against Sarisbury Athletic who lie in fourth place in the table. Last week's 7 wicket defeat by struggling OTs & Romsey II leaves the Seconds just above the County One danger zone and looking nervously over their shoulders.

The Third XI take on Stone Cup finalists Swan Green at Woodside, while the Fourth XI make the short trip to the seaside to play Milford on Sea.

Sunday sees the visit of tourists Hadleigh Wood Green to the Sports Ground.

It's just 4 inches tall and probably the most sought after item in world cricket. No, we're not talking about our First XI captain, we're talking about the Ashes. The eagerly awaited 63rd Ashes series begins tomorrow at Lords and we asked a few Lymington members to give us their predictions for the battles ahead:

Adie Hunt: Aussies to win 3-1 unfortunately.
Steve Scott: It's a shame we couldn't have played the Test series earlier in the season instead of Bangladesh. Australia are just a bit stronger than England and will win 3-2.
Ed Carter: Australia to win 2-1 because England's batting will fail at least twice during the series.
Trevor Phillips: The teams were well matched in the one-dayers but the Aussies have got Warnie back now and I think that gives them the edge. It'll probably be 3-1 to Australia, but I hope I'm wrong.
Lloyd Scott: I've got a gut feeling that England will win 2-1.
Tickle Jenkin: Yugoslavia 8-0.
Tom Myatt: We are the kings of the world and will win 3-2!
Will Naylor: Australia will win the first two matches and then Shane Warne will be banned for some sort of abuse and it'll end 2-2.
Tony Wharton: Australia will win 5-0 because the England players don't play enough Sunday cricket or make themselves available for midweek friendlies.
Pete Smith: You're not playing Bangladesh now boys! 3-2 to the Aussies.

So there you have it - if you believe the majority of Lymington players the Aussies are on course to retain the Ashes, but all agree that England will have at least one victory to celebrate.

Firsts v OT's and Romsey match report

Fourths v Beaulieu match report

Figgy returns with a vengeance!
Former Lymington batsman Mark Figgins returned to the Sports Ground last Friday to guide his Bashley side to a seven wicket win over Swan Green in the final of the Stone Cup.

It was a sweet moment for Figgy who has endured his fair share of stick from his former clubmates since crossing the New Forest divide more than 12 years ago. Replying to Swan Green's 128 from 18 overs, Figgy scored an unbeaten half-century and deservedly won the man-of-the-match award.

Marty's spin proves to be the turning point
A six wicket haul from occasional left-arm spinner Martin Hunt inspired Lymington to a desperately needed 41 run victory at Romsey Sports Centre on Saturday. Chasing Lymington's 236 all out, Romsey were well placed at 140 for 3 with ex-Lymingtonian Max Smith in imperious form. But, on 82, he attempted a reverse sweep off Hunt and was caught at backward point, and the home side never recovered and slumped to 195 all out.

Earlier, Lymington had reached three figures for the first time in five innings, although there was the customary wobble at the beginning as Lymo slumped to 10 for 2. However, Pete Smith (82) and Bryn Darbyshire (47) guided Lymo out of trouble before another mini-collapse left Lymo teetering around the 200 mark with 8 wickets down. Crucially, the last three batsmen - Ed Carter, Trevor Phillips and Ed Molloy - all added vital runs to take their side to what would prove to be an unassailable 236 all out.

The Second XI fell to a 7 wicket defeat against OTs & Romsey II, but as none of the team could be bothered to push the covers on or put the rope out at the end of the game, I can't be bothered to write anything about them.

The Thirds recorded a thrilling one wicket win over Woodgreen at Woodside see the match report. The Fourth XI suffered a last over defeat at Beaulieu despite 55 from captain Gannaway.

SEPL Results and League Tables for 16 Jul 05

First XI v Alton - match report

Seconds v BAT II - match report
303 too many to chaise

Thirds v Southampton Travelers - match report
A century for Jerry
Fourths v Suttoners - match report
6 wickets for young Will

Where there's a Will there's a way!

A stunning bowling performance from 14 year old Will Thorp guided Lymington Fourth XI to their first win of the season at Woodside on Saturday. Will grabbed 6 for 31 - including a hat trick - as Lymo overhauled Suttoners' 148 all out to record a morale boosting 5 wicket victory. He also chipped in with the bat, scoring 25 and offering valuable support to Steve Coltman who returned to form with a fine 65. Another youngster with plenty to chirp about at Woodside was 13 year old Aidan Lindsay-Wood who took a wicket with his very first ball in senior cricket! The following day both Will and Aidan were back playing colts cricket and helped Lymington Under 15s to a narrow victory over local rivals Bashley at the Sports Ground.

The Third XI also enjoyed a good win on Saturday thanks to a brilliant century from Jerry Holt. The classy opener hit 5 sixes and 10 fours in his unbeaten 127 as Lymington totaled a season's best 244 for 4 against Southampton Travelers at Test Park. Paul Sturmey (4-45) and Jack Todd (3-42) then reduced the home side to 188 all out.

The Second XI came to grief in Totton against a very strong BAT Seconds. They were never in the game after BAT had smashed 303 for 6. Guy Hayward (50) and Dave Griffiths (49) did at least salvage a little pride as Lymo closed on 212 for 8.

As for the First XI . . . You don't want to read about it, I don't want to write about it - so let's just forget about it!

But the drama was far from over as Pete Smith (5-41) and Trevor Phillips (2-25) tore into the St Cross top order. With the ball skidding around on the damp surface, the visitors were also soon in desperate trouble at 19 for 5. When this became 29 for 6, Lymo began to sniff an historic victory. However, Indian Raj Niak was proving immovable, and he skillfully guided St Cross to the brink of victory before he fell leg before to Christian Pain for 35. Smith summoned up one last ounce of effort in his final over to take the eighth wicket with the score on 64, but a slash through the slips finally brought victory for the mightily relieved visitors.

The defeat was terribly painful for Lymington who showed incredible character to fight back after such a dreadful batting performance. Sadly, the scorebook doesn't lie and the six ducks (including three first ballers!) speak for themselves. Bizarrely, in the game as a whole, only two of the 21 players who batted made double figures and extras was second top scorer in both innings!

Both captains were clearly stunned by their side's respective batting debacles. Lymington skipper Adie Hunt was keen to point out that the greenish Sports Ground pitch had little to do with the plethora of wickets. "Both me and Matt (Perry-Lewis) agreed that it wasn't a bad pitch to bat on. There was just lots of excellent bowling and some poor shot selections. It was just one of those freaky games, I guess".

Elsewhere, the Second XI were the only Lymington side to record a victory as Mark Jackson guided them to a comfortable win over St Cross Seconds in Winchester. Jacko's patient 73 helped Lymo reach 166 before the home side were dismissed for just 86, match report

The Thirds were well beaten by Ordnance Survey despite a fine display from Adam Derbyshire who took 5 wickets and scored a nifty 50.

And there was heartbreak for the Fourth XI who suffered an agonising one run defeat against fellow strugglers Verwood at Woodside, match report.

Sadly, not one single Ordnance Survey or Verwood player came back to the clubhouse for a drink after the matches. Are we really that nasty in Lymington?

First XI v Ventnor match report
Second XI v Redlynch and Hale match report
Fourths v Burley match report , 109* by Mark Gannaway not enough!

More misery for the First XI but Seconds and Thirds both win
Lymington suffered a third straight SPL defeat as they collapsed to just 89 all out chasing Ventnor's 180. Early in the game Lymington had been well on top and reduced the Islanders to 70 for 5, but a gritty sixth wicket stand saw the reigning champions nudge their way to a defendable total on a pitch offering much assistance to the seam bowlers. Once again Lymington's fragile top order struggled and, like the home side, the visitors found themselves floundering at 70 for 5. However, unlike the home side, there was to be no dramatic recovery and the last 5 wickets fell for precious few runs.

The Second XI recorded a much needed victory over Redlynch & Hale. They cruised home after bowling their opponents out for just 116 with the returning Ed Carter and Dominic Norton both taking four wickets. There was also better news for the Thirds who defeated Burley at Woodside thanks to a fine knock from Time Lord Nick Lee. The Fourth XI performed much better this week, but are still searching for that elusive first win despite a battling century from captain Meg Gannaway against Burley Seconds.

SEPL Results and League Tables (word format this week)
SEPL Div 2 stats (word format)

Aussie night hailed a success

With the Aussies suffering a humiliating defeat against minnows Bangladesh, we probably chose the wrong day to stage an Australian theme night in honour of our own Aussie Peter Smith. Fortunately, the amiable all-rounder from Sydney took the remorseless mickey-taking in good spirit and was even able to give us a rousing rendition of Waltzing Matilda. He also took part in a Rolf Harris-style painting competition, just losing out to Dominic Di Maria whose drawing of gorgeous model Wobbly Wharton captured the vote of judge Queen Janet. The Bush Tucker Trials were won by Tim Noble who correctly identified and ate a shrimp, a mouse and a snake (not real ones, obviously!), while the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the world record attempt at fitting the largest number of people into Pete Smith's Nissan Micra. The final figure was an incredible 13 humans and a dog! Anyone know Norris McQuirter's phone number....

On losing the toss CBBEA chose to bat;
And who could blame them on a wicket so flat?
After the first two balls the scoreboard read eight,
And Lymington already began to ponder their fate.
Two wickets then fell to young Dan Walters
But the destiny of the match these breakthroughs could not alter;
On piled the runs as two batsmen scored tons;
Whilst the total score was in excess of three ones.
All summer long Lymington hadn't scored that many in total,
And confidence was low to reach a target so tall;
Wickets fell quickly, and cheaply at that,
With only Will Thorp (23) getting many off the bat.
The last few wickets fell in an alarming clatter,
But by that stage it really didn't matter!

Lymington stunned by mystery 'insider'

As if the heavy defeat against Rowledge on Saturday wasn't bad enough, Lymington First XI skipper Adie Hunt was shocked to open his Echo on Monday afternoon to read highly critical comments about his team from a mystery 'dressing room insider'. The unnamed source suggested that Lymington are lacking commitment and not practicing hard enough for their Southern Electric Premier League matches. The comments came after only three batsmen reached double figures as Lymo collapsed to 115 all out and a thumping 122-run defeat by Division 2 rivals Rowledge at the Sports Ground on Saturday.

The captain was understandably angered by the totally unjustified comments. "I really can't fault the commitment of my players this season" he said. "In fact, I'll go as far as saying that if we'd had that same level of commitment from players in previous seasons I'm pretty sure we would have won our League by now."

And seasoned campaigner Trevor Phillips has dismissed criticism that the relatively young and inexperienced Lymington team is not practicing hard enough. "Whoever made these stupid, ill-informed and damaging remarks obviously hasn't been to the Sports Ground on training nights. Virtually all the first team players have been practicing at least once a week since the start of the season and it's fair to say the attendance at midweek training has been a great deal better than in previous seasons," he said.
"If anything, the really disappointing aspect of the Rowledge defeat was that we collapsed despite all the practice we've been doing".

Phillips also defended Lymington's batting record this season. "The Rowledge game was the first time we've been skittled this season and people ought to remember that even when we had the likes of Treagus, Peacock, Craft et al we were apt to a calamitous batting failure once or twice a season," he pointed out.

Knee-op sidelines Mark for a six weeks

Batsman Mark Burrett will miss several weeks of the season following an operation on his injured knee. The former Ellingham player sustained the injury during a football match for Hampshire League side Ringwood Town. The operation was thought to be a success and Mark should be back playing within 5 to 6 weeks.

Now that's what I call a Bashing!
Lymington are through to the final of the President's Cup following their demolition of rivals Bashley on Monday evening at the BCG. Chasing the Gold Leaguer's 128 for 5, Lymo cruised home to a 7 wicket win with almost 6 overs to spare.... match report

1st team v Rowledge match report

2nd team v Hursley Park match report

Not a great weekend, all 4 Senior teams lost.

SEPL Results and League Tables (word format this week)

Aussie Night at the Sports Ground. .

It's time to dust off your bush hats and fill up your eskies because Lymington Cricket Club are holding an Australian Night this Saturday 18th June.

There will be Aussie music and games (including our very own version of Bush Tucker trials); and if you're lucky, Pete Smith might do a rendition of Waltzing Matilda. There will also be a prize for the person wearing the tightest pair of Aussie Rules-style shorts! Castlemaine XXXX will be just £1 a bottle all night, and the fun starts from 8pm at the clubhouse. Don't miss it!

The former Combined Services all rounder - playing in his first match for 5 years - exuded class as he stroked 5 fours and a six in a Lymington CC total of 167 for 5 (Phillips 45, Trestrail 32). Gellers (pictured) then grabbed two wickets with his slow left arm bowling as Lymington Town replied with 161 for 6. With Martin Hunt smashing several huge sixes, the match was in the balance until the stocky left-hander eventually fell to Neil Trestrail for 89 in the final over. This left the footballers needing a six from the final ball of the match to level the scores. This they might have achieved if it had not been for a stunning flying catch on the long-on boundary from Tony Jenkin (no, you're not seeing things - it really was Tony Jenkin!!!).

Karl Whatham wasn't just at the Rose Bowl to watch his heroes get hammered, he was also there to belatedly receive his 'Best All Rounder' trophy from last season. The prolific runscorer, currently piling up the runs for Thames Valley Leaguers Harefield, is pictured receiving the trophy alongside current Lymington players Pete Smith, Adie and Martin Hunt and Trevor Phillips.

Lymington 1st XI stay 5th despite loss to Hungerford
Lymington lost to Hungerford 262ao to 265 for 7 in the last few balls in a closely fought game that spun both way in the closing overs.

SEPL Results and League Tables

The fact that 2 members of my family won has absolutely nothing to do with me!!!! said a beaming Adie. Pete Smith is alleged to have drawn the numbers, with the careful supervision of the Development Draw Manager.

Christian Pain has won this weeks Southern Premier League Magic Moment award sponsored by his Dad! aka Cricketbits of Salisbury. The award is for his magnificent 50 not out for Lymington to win the SEPL Div 2 game against Havant on Saturday, an almost faultless and wonderfully paced innings witnessed by his father.

A delighted Christian said 'my Dad takes the cricket clock off the shelf it's gets formally handed to me and I put in on the mantel piece!'

SEPL 4 June Results and Tables Lymo strengthen their 5th position

Buoyed by last week's stunning win over leaders Locks Heath, the Seconds make the long trip to bottom club Leckford. The Third XI will be looking to break their duck at Hordle, while Fourth XI captain Meg Gannaway entertains his old friends from Pylewell Park at Woodside.

On Sunday Lymington take on BAT in a friendly fixture that could see the return of Lymo old boys Damian Shirazi and Nick Jenkin.

Seconds v Locksheath Match Report
Great win for Lymo in a high scoring game

Fourths v Hythe & Dibden Match Report
not for those who only like winning stories....

Sunday XI v Bexley Park Match Report