IT WAS a day to remember for 13-year old Brad Aldridge, making his debut for Barker- son and Isherwood sponsored Longparish at Albany Road, Bishops Waltham.

Winning the toss and batting the home side were in desperate trouble at 16-4, Barry Blackmore taking all four. They were rescued by a stand of 60 for the fifth wicket but from 77-5 they had little to offer and limped to 111-9 from 45 overs. Blackmore had an excellent spell, taking 5-17.

Chris Clarke took 3-27 and young Aldridge bowled seven overs for just 12 runs. The Longparish reply went in fits and starts, George Kousseff making 17 and Stuart Tognarelli, the most impressive, with 32. With a battling 20 from Justin Jackman Parish were comfortable on 88-4 until a collapse of the highest magnitude, as they lost five wickets for 20 runs.

At 108-9 it was left to Aldridge to be the hero of the day with seven runs to compete a one run victory.

Wherwell captain Stuart Norridge took his team across the A303 to Longparish II with confidence high, following a convincing win the previous weekend.

After winning the toss he elected to bat, a decision that probably decided the game. An opening stand of 74 between Colin Hitchings (35) and Craig Beckingham (81 no) set the tone and when in-form Dave Langford (78) joined Beckingham the run rate soared. Their 100+ partnership was broken with only a few overs remaining as Wherwell made a solid 248-4 with Beckingham carrying his bat.

Longparish started on the required rate and left Wherwell slightly concerned but Nathan Young was probably the pick of the bowlers with 3-34, while brother Ryan took 4-50 with his leg breaks. Smart glove work from keeper Andy McGlashan (two stumpings, two catches) also helped in getting Longparish all out for 162, giving Wherwell a win breathing space above the relegation zone.

LINKENHOLT were at home to Whiteparish on Saturday and batting first, Ady Holdway and Alex Clough put 37 on the board before Clough was out for 18.

Ron Staker joined Holdway and they continued to score readily, as Holdway made 77no including ten fours and Staker 45no in a total of 164-1 from 42 overs.

Whiteparish made a good start with some hard hitting from Drew and Jewell, who made 53.

The middle order failed but number eight Hamblin made 44no taking the score to 168-8 with 12 runs in the last over for victory.

Clough took 5-53 in 12 overs with Steve Jones taking 2-40.

l Linkenholt were away to Donnington the week before and batting first Ady Holdway and Alex Clough put 73 on the board before Clough went for 30.

Ron Staker joined Holdway and made 31 before he was caught. Robbie Sadler came in and enjoyed an excellent knock of 57 not out, Holdway finishing on 53. Linkenholt ended on an impressive 203-6 fro their 42 overs.

In reply Dadd was Donnington's highest scorer with 43 as they ended on 141-8 with Holdway completing a good win for Linkenholt with 3-13 from nine overs

10:32am Friday 4th July 2008

Print

Email this