League Cup 1st Round.

Bramshaw progressed in the League Cup in a delayed First Round match away to Ashurst. Ashurst batted first and although losing an early wicket pushed the score along at six runs an over with Andy Fowell (53no) and M.Collett (26) putting together a 2nd wicket fifty partnership. They managed to reach 113-4 in their 18 overs.

Bramshaw's reply was built around opener Andrew Hart's fine half century. He stood firm when J.Batchelor (5 overs 3-34) took early wickets, pacing the innings right until the final over, reaching 114-3 with three balls remaining, and Hart remained unbeaten.

League Cup 2nd Round.

Although the wet weather continued four League Cup 2nd Round matches were completed and all the home clubs are to be congratulated for letting the matches go ahead.

Broughton entertained Highfield and lost their openers to M.Terry (3-20) and it was left to Simon Mant (41) to rescue their innings. With help from the middle order he pushed the score past the century mark. Neil Campone (3-49) took wickets in the dash for quick runs and Broughton finished on 114-9. L.Galton accounted for C.Lilly early on, but M.Wild (57) and P.Colmer (31no) found no difficulties in the quest for runs and laid the platform for a comfortable win reaching 115-2 with two overs to spare.

Totton & Eling maintained their 100 per cent record by defeating a game Cadnam side by nine wickets at Cadnam. The home side took first use of a good wicket and S. Ali once again set off like a train, scoring 44 runs in quick time. Ricky Rawlins meanwhile was causing problems at the other end, taking three wickets for 25 runs. N.Edens (2-20) was also difficult to get away and half the side were out for under 50. Useful contributions by A.Baig (18) and S.Maqsood (14) helped Ali to reach the 100-mark before Nigel Bungay (3-19), in a new role, had the home side 109 all out in the final over.

Totton's openers Archie Norris (46) and Simon Ennew (33no) got their innings off to a great start going along at eight runs an over before Norris was bowled by M.Maiden. This only brought in N.Jenkins and there was no further hiccup as he helped Ennew reach the target with five overs still left. Jenkins was 24no at the end.

The main talking point in the match between Paultons A and Mottisfont was the innings of John Robinson. He was the main contributor of their innings of 146-3. After David Barnes (2-23) removed both openers Andy Collins and Tim Tichman (19) in came John Robinson. He received 46 balls and amassed 83 runs which included 6 fours and 6 sixes and put on 92 for the 3rd wicket with R.O'Brien (31).

Mottisfont started slowly as openers C.Pratt (33) and Terry Byrne found the Paultons bowlers accurate. C.Dunn 1-13 and P.Wilde 2-18 soon got amongst the wickets. Ian Bradwell (23) tried hard to increase the scoring rate but batsmen perished as they tried to take on the bowlers. Peter Lamb (4-13) then came on and caused havoc to the middle order and Mottisfont finished well short on 91-7.

Bramshaw continued their winning season by comfortably beating Whiteparish by 76 runs. C.Evans (2-32) took an early wicket for Whiteparish but Andrew Hart (32) and A.Ridgeway (56) set about the home bowlers, striking the ball to all parts. When they were dismissed J.Worrall took up the challenge and blasted a fine half century, finishing with 52no and Bramshaw reached a formidable 158-3.

Whiteparish never got their innings going as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Stuart Petty (32no) was the anchorman as the wickets tumbled around him. Tim Rogers (3-11) doing most of the damage as Whiteparish finished on 82-6.

Division 1.

One outstanding Division League match took place when Old Ts & Romsey B visited HCS Embley Park and came away with a resounding win by nine wickets. HCS batted first and lost their first three wickets in the first three overs to Makami (2 overs 3 wickets for 1 run). It was not until number 7 Greg Lewis (26no) came to the wicket the score began to mount. Weeks (3-17) was one of eight bowlers used by Old Ts that kept the home side struggling for runs and they finished on 68-9. Lewis (1-12) dismissed opener Matt Whitfield early on but D.Streather (39no) and Paul Longland (20no) had no further problems as they reached the target in ten overs, taking 19 points.