Cricket season under-way with anniversary match

On Saturday 28th April, the cricket season got underway with two friendly matches against Portsmouth & Southsea. This occasion marked the forty-fifth  anniversary of the Hampshire cricket league and was a re-enactment of the first ever league game that took place in 1973. The cricket club were also celebrating the opening of the impressive new clubhouse in Hayling community centre.

The weather was kind enough for us to get full games in. The first team batted in difficult conditions and were able to put a score of 95 on the board, Dave Gorvin top scoring with 30. In reply, Portsmouth and Southsea found it difficult to chase down the runs with some impressive bowling from the Hayling unit. Jason Longhurst was the pick of the bowlers as Hayling took the game to a close finish.

In the second team match, Hayling bowled first and restricted Portsmouth and Southsea to 120, long-serving player Andy Shaygen managed to get three wickets and was well supported by the rest of the Hayling bowling attack. Hayling set a good platform with Alex Johnson and new player Rob Gamlin amongst the runs, however they fell short of the target and eventually lost by twenty runs.

With league matches starting in May, prospects look bright across the club. Home matches are taking place on alternate Saturdays (16th June, 30th June), all support is greatly received.

We have adult and junior training every Thursday evening from 6:00pm in Hayling park.

To keep track of the club, or if you would like to get involved in any capacity, you can find us on facebook, Instagram, on our website (haylingislandcc.co.uk) or you can email us at haylingcricket@gmail.com

The cricket season is now in full swing with all teams in action on a weekly basis. There have been some very positive performances by both teams and individuals over the opening few games, with wins, losses and even a tied match!

The first team recorded their first win of the season against Bramshaw away. Hayling batted first, scoring 244 thanks largely to opening batsman and formidable all-rounder Mike Hallett. He was duly supported by Mike Lever as they put on over 100 for the opening partnership. The rest of the top order contributed well and the innings finished with some quick runs from Stu Barnard (38 runs) and Dave Gorvin (31 runs). Hayling managed to hold their nerve to win by 11 runs. Mike Hallett setting the tone again to claim four wickets, including the decisive final wicket.

On the same day, the second team also got their first win of the season against Old Netley and Highfield. The opening partnership of Jamie Nottage and club secretary Alex ‘J-train’ Johnson proved to be extremely fruitful as they put on over 150 runs. Jamie top scored with 94 and Alex played the supporting role with 54 runs. Dramatic scenes occurred when Hayling were fielding, as the ever-green club chairman, Jim ‘chief’ Lever took 5 wickets and only conceded 1 run. Hayling capped off a highly successful display by celebrating long into the night.

A tied match is a rare occurrence in cricket, however Hayling park was the scene of Hayling’s only tied match in recent years. Alex Johnson again provided the bulk of Hayling’s runs when he scored 71 not out as Hayling batted first. Jamie Nottage also scored a well made 50 runs, as Hayling posted 178,. The main drama from the match occurred in the last over of the day when Waterlooville, Hayling’s opponents on the day, needed nine runs for victory. Jamie Nottage was asked to bowl the final over which ended with Waterlooville needed two runs to win. A well aimed yorker and some smart fielding from the Hayling skipper (Tony Watton) ensured that Waterlooville could only score one run.

The outcome was a tied match and handshakes all around.

The midweek team have started the season well, with one convincing win and a narrow defeat against Portsmouth and Southsea.

Colts sessions are proving very popular with over 20 children regularly attending each week. Any child from school year reception to year six are invited to attend and information can be found on the facebook page.

You can follow all of the scored on Hayling’s play cricket website, the facebook page or the Instagram account. For any information please contact via email at haylingcricket@gmail.com

By
Dave Gorvin, Hayling Island Cricket Club
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