Lymington 146-9 South Wilts 148-2

The groundsman had been caught on the Friday afternoon with the covers off and the mower out when a violent rain storm which only lasted about ten minutes hit the Sportsground. The result was a decidedly green top for Saturday's final league match of the season. Christian Pain not only lost the toss but was without Morgan Rushbrook and Tommy Barton which left rather a big hole in the home team's line up. J.Hayward, the visitor's captain, had no hesitation about putting Lymingtonin to bat.

The home team were three wickets down for only 22 runs when Pain (48) joined Glyn Treagus (48) and this pair put on a highly responsible 81 before Treagus was judged out LBW. The only other Lymington batsman to reach double figures in the score of 146-9 was Simon Cook (10). All the South Wilts bowlers had shown top form with pride of place going to Hibberd (10-4-17-3) and Draper (9-1-36-3) whilst Webb and Wade got a wicket apiece.

Apart from Glyn Treagus (2-41) none of the home team's bowlers were on top of their form, and South Wilts reached 52 before losing their second wicket. Shortly thereafter there was an unfortunate incident when the number three batsman only on 7 snicked behind and was caught by Rob Lammiman without any reaction from the umpire despite loud appeals from all the close in fielders who knew he was out. Although he admitted he hit the ball, the batsman stood his ground saying later that umpires make mistakes on both sides. This incident really upset the Lymington players and had the batsman in question walked or been given out the result could have been different. South Wilts, however, went on to win by 8 wickets with plenty of overs to spare. All the South Wilts batsmen reached double figures with Morton (31), Pearce (12), Phillips (52*) and Pittman (46*) in their winning total of 148-2.

scorecard

DH