Froxfield II v Petersfield III: FROXFIELD won the toss on a humid day and put Petersfield’s third team into bat.

James Stratford-Tuke (33) and Nathan Barlow (19) built a good base with some strong straight drives and when necessary resolute defence against a good opening bowling partnership. Barlow was bowled just before drinks and Stratford-Tuke was caught immediately afterwards, with both falling to the impressive Gander.

The platform produced a launch pad for a partnership between Paddy May (55 not out) and Joe Clarke (57). Both batted freely with flowing strokes before Clarke was dismissed in the last over. Petersfield finished on 215-3.

Froxfield’s reply began poorly as quick wickets from Heather Clarke and Dan May gave Petersfield the advantage. Steve Charles hit his first ball for six but fell off his second to a sharp catch by Stratford-Tuke at first slip off May.

Clarke (3-11) and Lucy Hilton (3-18), who was playing her first game of men’s open age league cricket, ripped into Froxfield’s top and middle order and the pair took six wickets between them.

They were well supported by Katie Jackson (2-19). D May (2-18) took the other two wickets, and there was also a well-judged catch taken by James Longland, as Froxfield were bowled out for 66.

Most of the damage was done by the bowling of Petersfield’s ladies, particularly the two 13-year-olds, Clarke and Hilton. The Hampshire Cricket League believe this may be the first time ladies have taken eight wickets in a men’s fixture.