U19 T20: Portsmouth vs Petersfield Panthers

The Panthers showed their claws but went down fighting against a high-class Portsmouth outfit in their opening T20 match at a dank, miserable and windy St Helens.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Portsmouth openers Smitherman (28) and Farrant (50 ret'd) tore into the bowling, the ball flying to all parts of the Portsmouth ground. One leg-side heave from Farrant ended up on the 5th green of the neighbouring pitch and putt, scattering the Sunday afternoon golfers in the process.

In the face of this onslaught, Ollie Simpson held his nerve and, continuing his good form of recent weeks, bowled his four overs straight taking 1 for 32 – an excellent effort in the circumstances.

J Marston (48), Collier (22) and Prentice (35) continued to take the attack to the Panthers and, if anything, the ball flew even faster and further. So great credit to Turk (1 for 40), Cox (1 for 34, who was unlucky not to pick up a couple more) and Caddick (0 for 34) for keeping a lid on the carnage to some degree.

Fielding was often a hazardous occupation on St Helens' fast but uneven outfield and sighting the T20 pink ball was difficult in the dark, gusty conditions, which no doubt was a factor as 'Field put down at least 4 chances in the deep.

However special mention should go to Ben Anscombe, who held onto two catches at deep mid-wicket, the second of which a fantastic, running effort. Keeper Thomas also took a sharp chance standing up to Turk to dismiss skipper Marston, who showed some good sportsmanship in walking.

The lads scrapped hard to the end, never dropping their heads, typified by Matt Friend taking 2 wickets off the last 2 balls of the innings. Portsmouth finished on 215 for 5 off their 20 overs, a formidable total.

The Petersfield top order had their work cut out against Portsmouth first XI players A Marston and Prentice – some the older 'Field players will remember Prentice playing for Hambledon taking 7 for 4 in an U15 match – but opener Thomas, severe on anything short, pulling and driving powerfully, held the innings together with a fine 53 ret'd off 45 balls.

Although it was virtually impossible to keep up with the required rate, Simpson, Cox and especially Matt Friend (26), who had a fine all-round game, struck some lusty blows and never once did the boys take a backward step against their opponents. The Panthers eventually battled their way to a fighting 148 with the help of a couple of vintage Caddick reverse sweeps.

So, a loss by 67 runs, but to put this into some kind of perspective, our lads were up against at least 5 Portsmouth first teamers, who play Southern Premier Div 2, and often gave as good as they got. It was a gutsy performance showing lots of character against quality opposition and the Panthers should be very proud of their efforts.