Hawkley v Grayswood: GRAYSWOOD won the toss and batted first on a grey day which threatened rain but gradually brightened as the afternoon progressed.

Hawkley’s Kevin Kinge struck early when he bowled White, however, after that the initiative was seized by the visitors as McIntyre and Kent scored rapidly all around the ground and a large score seemed in prospect.

Hawkley juggled their bowlers and succeeded in slowing the scoring rate, although several chances were dropped and other mishits landed safely in the outfield.

Finally Viv Evans held a skier from McIntyre for 62 off the bowling of Ed Peel, but Grayswood’s Jackson carried on the attack.

Kent sportingly retired on reaching his century, and Jackson followed suit on 50.

This opened the door to the Hawkley bowlers – Paul Cross took two quick wickets and Rory Evans claimed three victims in one over as Grayswood finished on 241-7.

Hawkley openers Cross and Peel began the chase in positive style, striking 25 runs from the first two overs. Both batsmen had 50 apiece before a change of bowling brought a breakthrough for Grayswood when Jackson bowled both openers.

Hawkley were well poised with a hundred required off the last 20 overs with eight wickets remaining.

Grayswood had other ideas though and wickets fell regularly and the scoring rate slumped. Skipper Hallam Brown and last man Kinge hit out bravely in the closing overs but Hawkley were 27 runs short of victory at the close and finished on 215-9.