After another Saturday washout the Dons arrived at Hursley Park for the Village Knockout Hampshire semi final. Denim enthusiast Dan Hewitt won a crucial toss on a damp wicket. Tight opening spells from Rupert Hetherington and Mark Woodman saw the home side off to a turgid start, with plenty of variations in pace and bounce. Woodman took the first wicket to a slip catch from Joe Collings-Wells, and Hetherington made further inroads with a catch by Hewitt. Despite some loose bowling Hambledon reduced the opposition to 95-9, with JCW and Hewitt amongst the wickets. A defiant 50 from Wheeler meant that Hursley's last wicket partnership took them to 154, with the Dons looking ragged.
With the mood down at tea, the dons were met with a friendly tea lady and a very good tea. The sweet in particular was outstanding, with scones and an array of cakes. The warm sausage rolls were appreciated, however the sandwiches did not offer a great deal of choice. Despite this it looks as if Hursley will be securing a top half finish in the tea league, with aspirations of a podium finish. 7/10
The dons started the chase well, racing to 35-0 with some positive batting and wayward bowling. James Marshall came in at the fall of the first wicket and batted positively. Lavous was triggered after batting nicely bringing Leyton (Hewitt), to the crease after a good platform was set. Hewitt and Marshall then cruised towards the finish line before Marshall forgot the golden rule of finishing off the run chase, always think about your average. Dismissed just short of the target on 34, Nick Scutt came to the crease for a nervy 0*. This allowed Daniel to hit some late 'bar bowling' from Hursley and seal a place in the Village Knockout county final, finishing on 48*. Thank you for everyone who came to watch, especially hashtag enthusiast Nono Pongolo, who is currently doing an overseas stint as a motivational speaker and tea eater.