Atkins out in 90s again but no need for nerves at Midhurst

Midhurst recalled the veteran opening batsman Simon Lush and batsman Sam Cussins and were put in after losing the toss in conditions favouring the bowlers.

Tom Atkins and Lush had to deal with swing and movement off the pitch in the early stages. They put on 80 for the first wicket before Lush was caught behind for 39.

Nalinda Premachandra and Atkins pushed the score along with Premachandra making 18. Atkins followed after making 96, the second week running he has been out in the 90s.

Cussins and Tim Powell made important contributions before Ollie Pearce, Steve May, Tim Dixon and Chris Adams finished the innings with some quick scoring to push Midhurst on to 264, earning full batting points. Powell and Tim Dixon bowled with great discipline early on. Powell picked up the wicket of Barker while Dixon bowled a consistent line and length.

Dixon was rewarded with the wicket of Doust and could have had more as Atkins put a catch down.

Powell, Dixon and Pearce bowled with fantastic control and set up victory with the first 25 overs going for only 45 runs.

Powell finished with one for 19 in ten overs and his opening partnership with Dixon must be commended. Cox bowled well but felt the pressure as he bowled in front of his coach and mentor, spin guru Hugh Reid for the first time this summer.

The miserly Premachandra was again in no mood to allow easy runs off his bowling with the Sri Lankan master taking two key wickets. His first came when he tempted the well-set Vail down the pitch and beat him with the spin, leaving Lush to take off the bails.

Pearce took an excellent catch in the deep showing superb composure. Premachandra’s figures would have been considerably better if Midhurst had shown better application in the field. Even so his two for 40 guaranteed Midhurst victory.

Atkins said: “It’s been a good win and has been pleasing to see everyone in team contributing to a victory. It’s been a good start to season for both the team and myself and I feel in the best mental shape of my life I hope I can get a few more.”

Midhurst visit the Idlers this week hoping they can continue their good form.

Purbrook IV Vs Salthill

Hants League regional div four SE

On a wet and windy day, Salthill lost the toss and took the field in blustery conditions.

Purbrook started slowly but Salthill found wickets hard to come by in a stiff cross-wind.

A flurry of wickets in the middle overs put the brakes on with Nick Bishop taking three. However, a strong fifth-wicket stand took Purbrook to a commanding total of 220 for four in 42 overs.

Salthill started well with Scott Richardson hitting a well-crafted 30 but wickets fell at regular intervals and only late resistance from Ashley Court with a brisk 37 held up the inevitable.

Salthill were all out for 183 in the 38th over.