Bashley travelled to Bishops Waltham in glorious sunshine and were relieved to win the toss and bat first. They started brightly and had reached 26 in the fifth over when Tom O’Sullivan was caught for 12. Scoring was not easy on a dry pitch with variable bounce against an accurate bowling attack. Opener Graham Pardey was caught for 21 and skipper Michael O’Sullivan was also caught for 21 as they tried to force the pace. Simon Dean was caught for 13 and Sam Scott bowled for 23 as wickets continued to fall to leave Bashley at 121 for 5 after 30 overs. Jack Ransom and young Tom Saunders then started to increase the scoring rate. With quick running between the wickets and the occasional boundary they started to pressurise the fielders. After a 55 run partnership Ransom was eventually caught for an excellent 37.Saunders however was now in full flow and with two late sixes he was eventually caught for a very impressive 64 as Bashley were all out for 229 in the final over.
Tom Saunders – 64 runs
After a lovely tea, Sammy Laurent made immediate inroads as he had Corder caught for 0 in the first over. With good support at the other end from Jason Eede, Bashley maintained the pressure and with a further wicket apiece they had Bishops Waltham in deep trouble at 24 for 3 after their initial 12 over spell. There was to be no let up as Simon Dean then bowled a very impressive 10 over spell straight through, picking up a wicket at the cost of just 9 runs. Young Toby Mills at the other end gave excellent support to take 2 for 30 in his 10 overs. Sam Scott (1 for 17) also struck as Bishops Waltham struggled to 88 for 7 with only Budd (31) and Jennings (27 not out) making any impression. Sammy Laurent then returned to take the last 3 wickets and complete his superb bowling spell of 5 for 12 in his ninth over and to leave Bashley comfortable victors by 112 runs.
Sammy Laurent – 5 wickets
