Portsmouth B vs Petersfield

Petersfield’s senior indoor side went down to defeat by 16 runs on Sunday against bogey side Portsmouth.

Batting first, Portsmouth got off to a flyer, led by openers Wyatt (34) and Palmer-Goddard (21). ‘Field then fought back superbly with four wickets in quick succession (including Wyatt bowled brilliantly through the gate by Will), only for the last pair, talented youngster Kooner-Evans and wily veteran Rick Marston, with some intelligent batting and aided by a couple of fielding lapses, to push the Pompey total to a tough-but-chasable 132.

In reply, Petersfield got off to the worst possible start, losing Alex and Shaun early on. Will (38) looked in great nick, and Gabe (26) and Ben T (16), playing only their second and debut senior indoor games respectively, batted bravely to get ‘Field close – but, sadly, not quite close enough. It was a great effort by the youngsters, though.

So Portsmouth remain something of a jinx side for the Red Rose, who will be hoping for a change of fortune against Waterlooville B on November 9th.

* This week’s stand-out player – Will with his 38 runs, 2 wickets and a run-out. Fine effort sir!

Senior indoor side lay down a marker

Petersfield’s newly promoted senior indoor side started the season in the best possible style with a thumping win by 65 runs over Fareham & Crofton B.

Batting first, openers Will (26) and Alex (42) got off to a flyer, putting on 78 for the first wicket in 4.1 overs. They were well supported by Damian (25*) and Shaun (23*) as ‘Field amassed a huge total of 186 for 4 off their 12 overs. This fell just short of the Division 2 league record of 192 set by US Portsmouth in 1991-92.

A combination of skilful placement and sharp running were key features of what is Petersfield’s highest total in this competition, as was the fact that Will, Alex and Damian all retired and came back out for a second knock.

Fareham had no answer to this formidable total. Shaun (2 wickets) and Damian bowled with real venom, giving nothing away, and were well backed up by some clever, accurate bowling by Will and Liam. Two sharp stumpings by Alex completed the job and a thoroughly convincing victory.

Tougher challenges lie ahead but this was a real statement of intent by the Red Rose. A fantastic all-round performance. Portsmouth B, last year’s Division 3 champions, lie in wait…