Match Report - 30/05/26

Another disappointing afternoon for Bashley’s 1st XI, who were beaten comfortably by Alton CC after being bowled out for a below-par 128. Michael Porter’s 59 was the one real bright spot, almost single-handedly keeping Bashley’s innings together as wickets tumbled around him. Jack Stearman contributed 34 at the top of the order, but the rest of the batting offered little resistance against a disciplined Alton attack. Bash Walters and Fred Egleston were the chief destroyers, each claiming 3 wickets in tight spells.

Chasing just 129, Alton never looked troubled. Abhay Gonella and Alex Corbett both hit 33 before falling, but Olly Boulton’s unbeaten 52 made sure there was no way back for Bashley, steering his side home with nearly 21 overs to spare. Cameron Basey and Alex Bourne each picked up a wicket but Bashley simply didn’t have enough runs on the board to defend.

Bashley’s 2nd XI gave a good account of themselves but ultimately fell 32 runs short against Bournemouth CC in a competitive match. Bournemouth posted 249 all out, with Luca Amat top-scoring with 53 and useful contributions throughout the middle order from Sarang Urankar (37) and William Murray (26). Sammy Laurent was the pick of Bashley’s bowlers with 3-43, while Simon Dean, Kieran Pardey and Jack Allan all chipped in with wickets.

Chasing 250, Bashley’s reply was built around a fine 54 from Phil Morris, who again proved his worth with the bat. Phanee Valluri (40) and James McMurray (44) both got starts and looked set for bigger scores before falling, and Simon Morris added a handy 22 in the middle order. However, Bashley lost wickets at crucial moments and were bowled out for 217 with Cadence Douglas the standout bowler for Bournemouth, claiming 3-42.

A gutsy effort from the 2nd XI that will give plenty of encouragement — Bournemouth were the better side on the day but Bashley pushed them hard throughout. A performance to build on.

Bashley’s 3rd XI put up a fighting total of 250/6 but were ultimately outgunned by Lyndhurst & Ashurst CC, who posted an imposing 279/6 to win by 29 runs. Roger Miller (71) and Ahmed Mahmood (65*) were the backbone of the Lyndhurst innings, with 40 wides proving extremely costly for Bashley on the day. Sam Scott was the pick of the bowlers with 2-42, and Jack Ransom bowled tidily for 1-33, but the extras column proved too damaging to contain.

Chasing 280, Bashley gave it a real go. Kris Laurent was outstanding with an unbeaten 54 late in the innings, and Luke Stubbington contributed a fine 47 before falling. Henry Morrison added 36 and Chris Gates finished unbeaten on 32, giving the chase real momentum, but the target always proved just out of reach as Bashley closed on 250/6.

A hugely positive batting display from the 3rd XI — 250 is a strong score in any company — but the 40 wides conceded in the field proved the difference on the day. Cut those extras out and this could easily have been a different result.

A convincing all-round performance from Bashley’s 4th XI as they cruised to an 82-run victory over Ferndown Wayfarers. Bashley posted a solid 218/6, built around a patient 50 from Josh Bellamy who anchored the innings throughout. Paul Macdonald (38) and Oscar Burton (30) provided strong support in the middle overs, while Simon Bellamy and Daniel Manning both finished unbeaten with quickfire cameos to push Bashley past 200.

Chasing 219, Ferndown were always up against it. Daniel Manning was exceptional with the ball, returning remarkable figures of 4-6 from 6.1 overs to dismantle the chase, while Elliott Drew chipped in with 3-29 and Samuel Courts added 2 wickets. John Bonney top-scored for Ferndown with a battling 48 but found little support, and the visitors were bowled out for 136 to hand Bashley a comprehensive victory.

A really pleasing team effort from the 4th XI — solid batting, sharp bowling and a result that will do plenty for confidence going forward.