Hambledon 2s enjoy opening victory

Hambledon 2nd XI enjoyed a well-deserved opening day victory in county division 4 south after skittling Locks Heath II out for 75.

Will Mann was the pick of the bowlers with 4-14 off 7.2 overs while Wayne Norman scooped 3-22 and Jamie Lewis took 1-4 off 5.

Peter Fowler also bowled well for his 2-14 off 6.3 overs despite turning up late and then being warned off by umpire Ian Chapman for running onto the wicket.

It could have been even better for the Dons as Locks Heath only scored 40 with the bat - 35 coming in extras including an unacceptable 29 in wides.

With the threat of rain looming, Hambledon didn't waste time chasing down the total, despite losing several wickets in their run quest.

Both Lewises (no relation) top-scored with Jamie (the elder) and 14-year-old Eddie (the younger) both hitting 21.

Mark Le Clercq went early for six, despite claiming the bat hit his boot not the ball, while the welcome return of Paul Brighton was spoiled by a sharp slip catch for 10.

A couple of quick middle order wickets had the aging skipper scrambling for his pads but the Dons held firm to win by four wickets in 16.2 overs and pick up 21 welcome points.