Hawkley v Selborne: HAWKLEY hosted neighbouring Selborne in the newly-formed visitors’ first game, which turned into a hard-fought local derby.

Batting first, Hawkley once again relied heavily on the hard-hitting Ashley Fooks in their efforts to post a competitive score. Paul Cross provided early support, however after he was bowled by Gray for 21 Hawkley lost wickets regularly.

Selborne’s Walker and Palmer proved particularly effective although they did enjoy some luck, notably when James Pringle was out stumped by a ball which bounced back from the wicket-keeper’s pads.

Fooks reached his second century in consecutive weeks and was eventually bowled by Palmer for 118, and Viv Evans and Hallam Brown put on a quick-fire 30 runs for the last wicket before Hawkley’s innings closed on 231-9.

Selborne’s Reuben Maltby and Simon Armstrong came out fighting after the tea interval, both batsmen hitting out aggressively. Hawkley’s Rory Evans struck in his second over to dismiss R Maltby, bringing Lloyd to the crease who partnered Armstrong in an 80-run stand. Cross bowled Armstrong for 43, but Harry Maltby played well as Selborne reached 200.

Hawkley’s Fooks removed both batsmen, Lloyd for a fine 79 and H Maltby for 33, while at the other end skipper Brown produced a double-wicket maiden.

Selborne’s Tim Parker and George Maltby held firm, however, and combined in a 30-run stand which saw the visitors to victory by three wickets with two overs left.