Hampshire Cricket League - County Division 4.

Sarisbury Athletic II (236 all out) beat Mottisfont (115 all out).

After three blank Saturdays, Mottisfont travelled to Sarisbury in the knowledge that a damp green track probably awaited their arrival. Their spirits rose, when Paul Fielder duly won the toss and invited their hosts to take first knock.

Neil Barnes had two early successes, but his captain became increasingly perturbed that Sarisbury were finding the boundary rope with ease. Indeed, by the fifteenth over, five bowlers had been employed, and the score had risen to 92 for 3.

Many shots were eluding the fielders, who were chasing hard and diving around in support of the bowlers. A brief flurry of wickets, gave further encouragement, but with the score on 170 for 6, there were still fifteen overs left. Ian Bradwell returned 3 for 58 in his twelve over spell.

Just when it looked like no further bowling points would be earned, the returning opening bowlers, Neil and David Barnes mopped up the tail in the concluding overs, both finishing with figures of 3 for 46.

Usually after tea, when the sunshine has helped dry the pitch, batting becomes much easier, but Sarisbury surprised Mottisfont by opening with a spinner, and their close field kept a tight rein on scoring.

Inevitably, as they attempted to force the pace towards the required run rate, wickets fell, and Ian Bradwell watched with dismay as his partners succumbed. Eventually he was eighth out with the score on 85, for a valiant 41. Neil Barnes (25no) with a few lusty blows took the Font into three figures.

The next three matches are all against local rivals, but the pressure is mounting to secure victories that will ensure a top half finish by the end of August.

This Sunday, Mottisfont are hosting their annual Community Fun Day at their Bengers Lane sports ground.

A Twenty20 match against local rivals, East Tytherley commences at 11.30am. During the afternoon, eight teams will be playing rounders, with the emphasis more on fun than winning.

These events will be supplemented by sideshows, refreshments, a barbecue and ice creams. Entrance is free and there is plenty of parking available.