CORNWALL V HAMPSHIRE

The Seniors visited perennial whipping boys Cornwall for their much awaited first championship game of the 2008 season. Whether it was the effects of a long journey, the glorious summer weather in a picturesque setting or just out & out complacency, the Seniors turned in one of their poorest performances for many a day resulting in a first ever defeat by the Cornishmen. 

Batting after winning the toss, Cornwall plodded along at 3 runs per over throughout. The Seniors bowling was tidy on a good wicket without ever being particularly penetrating but at tea a target of 150 looked a mere formality. 

In reply opener Barry Goodman went early to a rash shot against the lively Dunnett. However it was the introduction of slow bowler Sluman that set the cat among the pigeons. He bowled Ian Britton (23) attempting to sweep & from 31-1 the innings collapsed to 48-7 with Dunnett (9-3-18-3) & Sluman (9-2-19-5) wreaking havoc as the middle order went down like ninepins.

Debutant ‘keeper Guy Clifford (11) played an energetic cameo. When he was out at 79-8 defeat seemed inevitable. Tailenders Steve Mitchell & Mark Tiplady then came together with nearly 20 overs remaining. Batting sensibly they gradually made substantial inroads into the target putting on 52 before Mitchell (25) was adjudged lbw. Jim Smallbone soon followed trying to hit over the top leaving Seniors man of the match Tiplady stranded on 31* amid scenes of great Cornish jubilation.  

The Seniors must wait until Wed 25 June before their next fixture when they entertain the Channel Islands at Hursley Park – defeat is not an option.

Dick Batchelor - Scorer

 Scoreboard