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SPCL 1 - Time for time games but can Andover keep going?
Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo) - 6 June 2002
Can surprise leaders Andover repeat their slick 50-over form in the longer all-day version of ECB Southern Electric Premier League cricket?
That's the burning question on the eve of nine weeks of all-day `time' matches, which begin with table-topping Andover facing third-placed Bournemouth at London Road, 11 o'clock.
"We've been on fire in the 50-over stuff," says Andover skipper Roger Miller, who hit his first SL century in ten years against Burridge last weekend. "Actually, we could even have won all five games, but playing all-day matches, in which you bat up to 66 overs, is an entirely different ball game.
"But we are buzzing with confidence just now and are just as eager to win the all-day games as were the 50-over matches," Miller said.
Andover may make two changes for the visit of in-form Bournemouth, who beat title holders BAT Sports and Bashley (Rydal) in their last two games.
Mark Miller is certain to replace the injured Ian Langdown (hamstring), with the captain pondering on whether to reinstate teenager James Manning, who played for the Hampshire Academy last weekend.
Bournemouth expect to have Richard Scott back in a key all-rounders role after missing the ten-wicket mugging of Bashley (Rydal). "We've previously encountered a lot of problems bowling teams out in the all-day games," says Bournemouth skipper Matt Swarbrick.
"But we now have a much more balanced attack, with four seamers and two young left-arm spinners to work with at Andover.
"The rain of the past few days suggests conditions may favour the bowlers, but we've got a fine right/left-arm mix, which should be ideal."
Second placed Havant, four points behind Andover, travel to Liphook & Ripsley, who are currently anchored to the basement after one win in five games. Paul Gover is a continued absentee, while Mackie Hobson and Bev Moynan could be missing through work commitments.
Bashley (Rydal), knocked out of the ECB Club Championship by Havant just 24 hours after the Bournemouth mauling, must pick up the pieces from a disastrous last weekend.
"We didn't apply ourselves at Bournemouth - and it's happening time after time," groaned skipper Neil Taylor.
"How we can score 301 one week and then get bowled out for barely 100 the next baffles me."
Shaun Lilley, free from wedding engagements, returns against Portsmouth, who travel to the BCG minus influential skipper Raj Maru. Lee Savident leads Portsmouth, who will rely heavily on Matt Keech to cover their spin bowling options.
Dave Banks is still troubled by the thumb injury he picked up playing for the Hampshire Board three weeks ago. But he expects to play at South Wilts, where BAT will be looking to build on last year's stunning all-day form.
"We won all seven completed `time' matches and that, without doubt, won us the championship," Banks recalled.
"We start this summer's all-day cricket with an identical record to 2001 - played 5, won 3, lost two - so let's hope for a repeat performance."
South Wilts, two points behind BAT, have Russell Rowe again at the forefront of the batting charts - the beefy opener having clocked up 293 runs in five visits to the crease already this season.
Burridge have Neil Cunningham and Matt Godwin back against Calmore Sports at Loperwood Park. But Paul Hawkins, who is using his "Hawkie" ball tracking technology at Queen's Club, is a major doubt.
Calmore, who won five of their eight `time' games last season, expect inspirational skipper Tom Pegler to return, but teenager Paul Cass suffered a back spasm during the Hampshire YCs trip to Guernsey earlier this week.
© SPCL / Daily Echo / Mike Vimpany
| Players/Umpires | Roger Miller, Richard Scott, Matthew Swarbrick, Paul Gover, Mackie Hobson, Neil Taylor, Rajesh Maru, Lee Savident, Matthew Keech, David Banks, Russell Rowe. |
| Tournaments | Southern Electric Premier League |
| Season | English Domestic Season |