The club had a 'mixed' set of results this weekend with a nail-biting victory for the 2ndXI, a convincing win for the 3rdXI, a narrow defeat for the 1stXI and a loss for the 4thXI. Followed on Sunday by defeat for the Friendly XI and a last ball win for the Women's Softball team.
The 2ndXI entertained Martinstown in Division 4 after electing bat on a warm, sunny afternoon. The opening pair of John Lewis & Sam Wells got the side of to the perfect start with a half-century stand and despite losing 2 quick wickets, the momentum was recovered with a 70-run partnership between John & Matt. Dunster. However, when both were removed in quick succession - Matt for 29 and John for a brilliant 71 (which included 12 boundaries) the innings was in the balance again at 145-4. But, the in-form Matt. Beard and ever- enterprising Jon Gregory not only ran between the wickets superbly, but also, punished the bad balls spectacularly to compile 81-run partnership at 8 an-over. Jon was, finally, dismissed for 37 but Matt. remained undefeated on 61 - which included 10 boundaries including the last ball of the innings to help the team reach an above-par score of 243-7 from their 40 overs.
In reply, the visitors got-off to a solid start, despite the best efforts of Harry Long & Ethan Stacey. Harry's pace and Ethan's beautifully, flighted leg-spin combined to keep the visitors behind the run-rate, but of course, they managed to keep wickets in-hand. The pressure on the visitors was maintained by the 2 Sam's - Marks & Wells. But, in wasn't until the introduction of Max Nicholson - who, crucially, claimed 2 wickets in quick succession with the help of some 'smart' wicket-keeping by Phil Eades. But even then, 10 runs an over for the last 10 overs was certainly attainable with wickets in-hand. It was great for Mike as Captain, to see that 2 of Swanage's young 'stars' - Max & Sam Wells bowled the 'death' overs exceptionally well to help secure a nail-biting 4-run victory in what was a fantastic game.
Unfortunately, the 1stXI were on the wrong-end of another truly incredible game at Martinstown in their latest Premier 2 Division clash. The team batted first and recovered from the loss of 2 quick wickets with a half-century stand between Mark Stacey & Tom Wells. But, when they were both dismissed in quick succession for 44 and 36 this led to a 'flurry' of wickets and the team were in the precarious position of 125-7. However, an amazing, unbroken stand between Ben Hodder & Steve Ramsay of 125 - with Ben's 83 including 12 boundaries and Steve's 36 with 6 boundaries enabled the team to post a slightly above-par score of 250-7 from their 50 overs.
In reply, the hosts had a similar start to the visitors losing 2 quick wickets. Then, after 2 good partnerships, the in-form Steve and Charlie both took a brace of wickets to help reduce the hosts to 170-7. But, this was as good as it got for Ben's team as Martinstown's Number 8 and 9 both batted very positively and with an unbroken stand of 80 ensured the hosts reached their target in the penultimate over - another great game.
Also on Saturday, the 3rdXI entertained Puddletown in Division 5. The visitors got off to a great start and at 94-1 looked on course for a big total, but, the introduction of Josh & Mike Gould changed the game completely. Josh claimed 4 wickets and Mike 3 as Puddletown were reduced to 133-7. The pressure was kept-up by Andrew Hancock - who also took 3 wickets to help dismiss the visitors to just 160. Despite the loss of an early wicket, the hosts cruised to victory with a 140-run stand between David Alcock & Simon Goldsack. Simon was dismissed just before the end going for his half-century, he made 4), but, David remained unbeaten on 67 as the team recorded a comfortable 8-wicket win.
The 4thXI travelled to Broadstone in their latest Division 6 clash. Unfortunately, the visitors were shot-out for just 101 - with Seb Wright top-scoring with 19 and, although, the hosts reached their target for the loss of only 2 wickets, it was memorable for both Zac Baker's and Faye Stacey's maiden wicket for Swanage.
On Sunday the Friendly XI entertained a touring side - Old Warden from Bedfordshire. Batting first Swanage made 135 based around Tom Wells scoring 72. Sadly it wasn't enough and Old Warden cruised to a 7 wicket victory.
Meanwhile another exciting game was taking place over at Parley where the Women's softball team were playing their second match of the season. Swanage captain Sophie Bedford won the toss and sent Parley in to bat first. They were immediately under pressure with early wickets from Kirsty and Nala. The pressure was kept up by Sophie Constable, Ava and Amelia - who also took 2 wickets. The fielding was excellent throughout with Jemma outstanding once again behind the stumps. Parley ended up on 101 - 5 and a net score of 276.
Swanage got off to a great start with Jemma (13) and Nala (5) scoring 30 off their 4 overs. Amelia (8) and Ava (11) kept up the momentum with their usual brilliant running between the wickets but a flurry of wickets pegged Swanage back. The 2 Sophie's both scored 5 to keep Swanage in the hunt before Pam and Kirsty took centre stage. Kirsty took the leading role with 30 well supported by Pam (5) but a late wicket put the victory in doubt so that Swans needed 2 to tie and 3 to win off the last ball. Kirsty delivered with a well struck 4 to end a brilliant game in the Swans favour as they ended on 108 - 6 and a net score of 278.
