Clanfield’s first team claimed a thrilling eight-run victory against Fareham & Crofton’s third team in a game that went down to the wire.

With seven overs to go, three wickets in hand and only 21 runs required, Fareham looked like they had the game in the bag. However, Clanfield kept their composure with disciplined fielding and clinical bowling. Mickey Rossouw took two quick wickets before Adam Smith took the final wicket.

Earlier, Clanfield won the toss and Sean Swift elected to bat first as the rain drizzled down. A strong partnership between Alex Andrews (40) and Tom Wright (26) gave the home team momentum as the pitch dried out. With the score on 122 for seven, a late flourish from Kuthubudeen Abdul Malikoo (26 not out) pushed Clanfield to a respectable total of 152 for nine.

Fareham & Crofton’s reply started well with opener Adrian Chesney scoring 65 before he was dismissed by spinner Ollie Sedgwick. Spin was clearly the way forward with Swift taking three wickets in quick succession and claiming his first win as captain.

Clanfield’s second team fell to a two-wicket defeat at Hayling Island’s third team. Clanfield were in trouble at 17 for five, but John Windebank (21 not out) and Roy Goulding (21) added 51 as Clanfield scored 76 for eight off their 40 overs.

Clanfield made an excellent start in the field with Warren Lucas (three for 21) taking two early wickets to leave the hosts on nine for two. Goulding (four for nine) and Alex Graham (one for nine) reduced the hosts to 68 for eight, but Hayling reached their target.

Clanfield’s women’s team beat Petersfield’s women’s team by 134 runs.

Clanfield Kites won the toss and asked Petersfield to bat first. The first seven overs delivered seven wickets, including a double wicket maiden from Lydia Windebank. Excellent fielding, including a superb diving catch from Nicky Prosser, saw Clanfield contain Petersfield to a score of 240 for ten wickets.

Clanfield Kites scored 374 against Petersfield
Clanfield Kites scored 374 against Petersfield (Clanfield Cricket Club)

Sue Andrews top scored with 30 for Clanfield, and Norma Hathaway, Lily George, Sarah Lydford and Emma Hart all impressed as Clanfield scored 374 for four.