Recap
Scorecard – Hampshire Hogs v St Cross – 03.08.20
The sun was shining on the home of cricket and the home team predictably arrived in dribs and drabs right up to the first ball. My solitary contribution to the day was winning the toss and unsurprisingly chucking St Cross in the field much to the appreciation of a rather jaded Hugo Lees. The “sacrificial lamb” of Rory Tennant (4) certainly didn’t live up to the nickname as he proceeded to dispatch the opening bowler through the slips, managing to lose his first ever ball in the process. His opening partner Harry McGhee (72), as well as dragging the average age up at his ripe old age of 25, batted beautifully for his half century. A well constructed innings followed with Harry Fisher (42), Joe Wheeler (35) and Charlie Gwynn (82) making the most notable contributions in the Hogs setting 278-5 declared.
The opening spell of bowling was fuelled by the amusement of subjecting Wilf Ward (Jason Gillespie) and Hugo Lees (Matthew Hoggard) to the high ball at mid on and off as the ball must not be passed around the field in the COVID secure environment we live in today. Ollie Cox (1-39) forgot he was playing cricket not rounders as his full tosses were bludgeoned to all parts of the ground quite rightly, while Will Hardman (1-24) picked up the all important wicket of Tom Foyle (32) at the other end in a fine display of swing bowling. After a couple of slices of victoria sponge at tea, Jason (2-11), Hoggy (1-28) and Joe Wheeler (3-16) in his debut season as a full member (subs paid!) combined to rip through the St Cross middle order leaving them 108 runs short and 9 wickets down before the not out number 10 retired and the game came to an end.
Another commanding victory by the mighty Hogs. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all up to the bitter end.
Jimmy Hawkings
