Hampshire Hogs

Sussex Martlets 299-5 (47.5 overs): P Lamb 107 (98), M Murray 113* (117)
Hampshire Hogs 303-5 (53.3 overs): O Kelly 142 (138)

Report by Paul Walker

It is sometimes said that a parent is only as happy as their unhappiest child. The same can perhaps be said for a match manager. As I looked around the post-match dressing room there was much, despite our narrow defeat, for this daddy to smile about and not just that England had comprehensively beaten India in another, far less important match, elsewhere:

1. Mudders – maiden Martlet ton. Bowled well, competitive, as always, to the end.

2. Peter Lamb – glorious century then played to allow others a bat, note the omission of the words in italics to player No.1. Only joking MM.

3. John Ashworth – opening stand of 27, took the shine off some rapid early deliveries with aplomb.

4. Jeremy Hunt – impressive, quick fire 37, Bagged their opener (who`d only got 142) and kept wicket for a good few overs. Sorry Julian, but you are so much more talented than your almost name-sake.

5. Stuart Richie – cameo at No 5, but let nothing past in the field and had the bruises to prove it.

6. Patrick Jackson – mini knock at 6, had a Dukes magnet in the field and never stopped smiling, despite lots of chasing balls, on a warm day.

7. Mark Chappell – 6 ferocious overs for only 28 on a track that made Arundel look like a swamp. Deserved numerous wickets.

8. Derek Horsham – lovely spell, lovely banter, lovely daughter, lovely Deggsy.. and he paid his subs on the day…..no seriously, he did!

9. Will Rydon – 10 overs, almost unplayable, 2 wickets, only 36 conceded, 44 dots. And kept wicket admirably.

10. Harry Walker – substitute fielder for a wasp stung Deggsy, clean bowled the Indian pro (on 48) with his first ball. Was told to calm down and not risk the fixture.

11. Paul Walker – well I enjoyed my little spell but …..

12. Joe Akers-Douglas – rang en route to confirm a hand injury would prevent him keeping. And he couldn’t bowl. And he just missed out on a bat. So even though Jasper had a fun run around and played brilliantly in the nets JAD has had better Martlet days.

Sorry Akers, you should have opened. Next time. I promise.

And if only you had gone out for a couple of overs of carnage! Daft early declaration.

The opposition were friendly and sporting. Their welcome was as warm as this beautiful summer day, complete with perfect breeze and glorious fluffy clouds. Warnford is such a beautiful ground. This special day was the essence of Martlet cricket. Thanks especially to the Hogs skipper Tim Towler, Jim the scorer and the catering staff.

Thanks too. Of course, for the umpiring of Messrs Spink and French.

It was wonderful to have the support of the President and Robin Carr, who joined us for lunch, as did Sarah Hunt, Tina and assorted mini Martlets.

For detailed information on each venue, please visit our Venues page