Southern Electric Premier Cricket League - Division 3.
Fair Oak (155-8) lost to Paultons (158-9).
Paultons pulled victory from the jaws of defeat at Lapstone Park thanks largely to a vintage innings of 89 not out from Colin James. The big left-handed opener didn't get much support from his team-mates - who amassed just 24 between them - but 44 extras, including 27 in wides, propelled his side to an unlikely victory.
Earlier, Oaks had limped to 155 for 8 off their 50-over allocation. A fourth-wicket stand of 52 between Shayne Freemantle (30) and Richard Featherstone, whose 37 featured several of his trademark straight drives, was the foundation of their innings. But Fair Oak never scored fast enough despite late fireworks from tail-enders Greig Stewart (18no) and James Featherstone (12no). Tony Richman took two Oaks wickets for 26 with Chris Dunn, Pete Lamb, Adam Denney and John Robinson bagging one victim apiece.
In reply Paultons were in dire trouble at 30 for 4 and 103 for 8, Freemantle, James Featherstone and Derek Manning taking two wickets each. But Fair Oak, uncharacteristically, dropped catches at crucial times. The resilient James found a valuable ally when he needed one in Dunn, who made only one run but shared in a vital ninth-wicket stand of 40. At the death last man Mark Redman survived two concerted lbw appeals to hang around long enough for James, exhausted but defiant, to loft the winning boundary over mid-wicket.
Fair Oak II beat Paultons II by 44 runs in Hampshire County Division 4 after piling up 195 for 6. John Lomas (77) and Andy Stewart (49) led the way in the Oaks innings, followed up by a swift 39 by Lee Rennison. Paultons' Rayner took three wickets but was expensive.
In reply Paultons started badly, losing two early wickets for 18. G Pike (41) helped steady the ship, but the lower order then struggled thanks to good bowling from Ross Stewart (3 for 17). The hosts closed on 152 for 9.
Fair Oak III, at home to St Cross Symondians IV in Division 2 North East, were routed by 6 wickets. Oaks made 178 all out, Richie Hunt top scoring with 47 and sharing in a sixth-wicket stand of 89 with Shaun Buttle (34). Adam Burrows took 5-31 and Al Watkinson 3-22 for the Saints.
In reply openers Alex Fidgen (67) and B Gillings (40) gave St Cross the ideal start. Although Steve White made inroads with 4 for 21 from his 10 overs, the visitors strolled home with six wickets and two overs to spare.
Fair Oak IV won an exciting clash with North Baddesley II in Division 4 South Central by just one run. Batting first, Oaks were bowled out for 118, Richard Mash top scoring (again) with 24. Peter Finley took 4 for 28 and M Pike 3 for 31.
Baddesley's batting proved even more fragile. Karl Hughes (3-29) and Mash (3-17) were the destroyers in chief as the home side fell just short at 117.
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