IN their first friendly of the season, Andover hosted Southern Electric Premier League rivals St Cross Symondians.
It provided a good indicator for the season as newly promoted Andover will face St Cross twice in the coming months. Andover lost the toss and were put into the field on and unexpectedly warm afternoon and St Cross got off to a flying start with their South African import cashing in on some indifferent bowling.
Tim Saye eventually made the breakthrough, taking the first wicket of the season thanks to a superb diving catch from Ali Hooper behind the stumps. Spinner Chris Hadfield picked up the next two wickets, removing the overseas star with another spectacular catch from Hooper. The spinners continued to apply the pressure and slowed the run rate down dramatically. and good spells came from Matt Hooper and new South African U19 star, Uwe Birkenstock.
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After an excellent start, St Cross ended on a meagre 151-5 off their 45 overs. Andover were always in control in the run chase, Birkenstock leading the way with 61 on his debut. It was an outstanding innings, showing what a talent he is.
He was ably supported by Mark Miller (40) and Roger Miller (35), who both looked in fine form at the crease. After a minor wobble it was left to Ali Hooper and Jonty Hadfield to knock off the winning runs to see Andover home with 15 overs to spare.
A great start to the season which bodes well for Andover who face a daunting trip to Havant tomorrow for their first league of the season.
The Second XI were also in friendly action as they travelled to Winchester to take on St Cross Symondians II.
Although the day saw glorious sunshine, the home side's pitch did not mirror the good weather. It was extremely green and damp, making the decision to bowl first an easy one for New skipper Dean Woodhouse.
A tight early spell from Pete Roberts (1-12) and John Foster (1-19) was followed by equally useful spells from Mark Roberts (1-11) and Dean Woodhouse (1-12).
The home side's innings was wrapped up by the spin twin combination of veteran Andy Hooper, 4-12 from eight overs, and young Luke Andrews, 2-7 from five overs. This left Andover with only 82 to chase and the opening pair of Steve Williams and Mark Coppleston started confidently enough and the score was at 23 before the first wicket fell.
However, following this promising start, wickets fell at an alarming rate on a rapidly worsening surface, with only Andrews (11), John Foster (11) and Matt Knight (9) offering any resistance. Andover finally succumbed for a measly total of 72.
Although the game was lost, the team, especially the bowlers, got in some useful practice and there were encouraging performances from youngsters Luke Andrews and Pete Roberts, and a solid start to the year behind the stumps for Matt Knight, all indicating a good year ahead for this promising II XI.
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