Bashley 3rds entertained Totton & Eling 2nds in a pre-season friendly at the BCG. Bashley won the toss and chose to bat first. A steady start was made until Ryan Taylor was caught behind for 15. This brought Saif Achakzai to the middle who started in glorious fashion striking his first ball over the bowler’s head for 4. Saif showed his full range of shots and scored at quick pace. Saif brought up his maiden 100 for Bashley in the 32nd over. Saif was supported well by Paul Kemp who scored a well-made 50. After both players retired, Bashley stuttered and ended the innings on 208-6 with Sam Scott (19 not out) being the only other player to reach double figures.
Achakzai – 100 retired not out
In response, Totton were restricted to a slow start due to the new ball bowlers; Ted Bracey and James Edmunds. After 12 overs, Totton were 19-2 with James Edmunds (8-1-16-2) taking the two early wickets. Tottons 3rd wicket partnership then put on 71 runs to bring them back into the game. Richard Dibden was eventually run out for 55 and Ben Mayes was caught for a well made 30. Totton needed 60 from the last 6 overs to win but the death bowling of Ted Bracey (8-3-17-2) ensured Bashley ran out victors by 22 runs.
