Petersfield U16s gave an excellent bowling performance against second-placed Hambledon but couldn’t quite capitalise with the bat, losing by 47 runs.
Batting first, Hambledon were always under pressure from Petersfield’s threatening attack and razor-sharp fielding. ‘Keeper Thomas was in the thick of the action, involved in 3 run-outs and two stumpings (and a near-miss off his helmet!), but the entire team deserve credit for their aggressive, lively approach, which really turned the screws on the strongest batting line-up in the league.
This was an impressive effort but unfortunately 2 quick wickets were lost in reply and ‘Field never really recovered, despite a controlled 17 by Newman before being run out and a beautifully struck 34 by Cox at the death.
The boys shouldn’t be too despondent after this defeat, which had many positive aspects. Their purposeful bowling and fielding was a direct result of their committed approach to training, and they were well led by skipper Caddick. Special mention as well to Matt Groves-Hambridge, who made a promising indoor debut and contributed to a run-out.
Better shot selection and more composure in their batting would make this team, which contains a lot of talent, a formidable indoor unit. The challenge now is to hold onto third place in the division. By playing to their ability, they are more than capable of doing that.
Later (much later) that evening the seniors exacted a measure of revenge, comfortably beating Hambledon B by 3 wickets. A solid batting display, led by Rice (38*), with each of the top three retiring, saw Petersfield move out of the relegation spots in Division 3.
