Petersfield II's Win again

MATCH REPORT: Hawkley vs Petersfield IIs

Hawkley’s beautifully scenic ground somehow managed to escape the heavy showers sweeping through the county and play started on time, Petersfield winning the toss and asking their opponents to bat first on a surprisingly firm surface.

Hawkley’s openers started well and Chris Russell did well to remove the dangerous Humphries for 43, taking a sharp caught-and-bowled at the second attempt. However Evans (30) and Burke (42) continued to score freely and, with Petersfield failing to hold on to some difficult chances, a score of over 220 looked on the cards.

Skipper Stephens then made a crucial breakthrough, bowling Evans, before the heavens opened, resulting in a 45-minute rain delay.

On the resumption of play, Petersfield upped their efforts and ripped through the Hawkley middle-lower order. Stephens picked up another couple (8-2-32-3), Windebank generated some genuine pace and aggression (2 for 31) and some sharp fielding resulted in a couple of run-outs. So, despite not getting two nailed-on stumping decisions, Hawkley finished on 187 from their 42 overs. This meant Petersfield’s rain-reduced target was 142 off 27 overs.

Despite losing opener Ben Anscombe early, Thomas (54) and Will Jameson (43) quickly settled into their stride, rarely looking troubled, putting on a 103 for the second wicket. Thomas played fluently, latching onto any loose deliveries, and Jameson’s innings was notable for its impressive straight hitting, the pair comfortably keeping up with the required run rate.

A late wobble caused hearts to flutter as 4 wickets fell in quick succession but the hard work had been done, and Stephens and Turk took the side home to claim victory for ‘Field by 5 wickets.

A great team effort and a convincing win, which deserved to push Petersfield into the promotion spots. However, this was the only match played in the division on a wet weekend, so the vagaries of the points system mean the side remains in 4th, which doesn’t really seem a fitting reward. But the confidence gained will put the 2s in good heart for their next opponents, Medstead, who come to the Heath next weekend.

Brains Bitter moment: more comedy fielding by Thomas (snr), Marco van Basten-esque in his ball juggling skills….