East Meon v Hawkley: HAWKLEY’S season got off to a stuttering start with a heavy 175-run defeat against a strong East Meon team last Sunday.

The hosts won the toss and chose to bat on a warm, sunny day. Hawkley’s Dan Clark struck in his second over to bowl Jemmett, and he added the wicket of Wheeler leg before wicket shortly afterwards.

Home captain James Atkinson built a 50-run partnership with Hollis before D Clark took a good catch in the deep to remove Hollis off Clive Hopkins’ bowling.

Steve Clark replaced his son and promptly bowled de Lotbiniere for a duck to leave East Meon on 90-4, raising Hawkley’s hopes of dismissing East Meon for an achievable target. Atkinson had other ideas and set about the bowling, adding 77 runs in partnership with Noor.

Hawkley’s Magon Singodia handed the wicket-keeper’s gloves to Hopkins and with his looping left-arm spin claimed the prize scalp of Atkinson for a stylish 87 which contained two sixes and ten fours.

Noor scored a valuable 60 and East Meon declared at tea on 239-6, setting Hawkley a tough target.

Clive Hopkins batted with tenacity while losing four partners with only 13 runs scored. John Dinnis showed signs of resistance and together with Hawkley captain Nick Hudson he took the score past 50.

The coup de grace was delivered by East Meon’s Tim Clay, who took Hawkley’s last five wickets at a cost of only six runs, all conceded from extras without a run coming from the bat.