Hampshire and Surrey drew an entertaining and eventful game in the BCEW South and West Development League at Frimley Cricket Club on Sunday 28th June.

Hampshire captain Ian Morris, won the toss and put Surrey in to bat.

Surrey skipper Stuart Ralph, and Lois turner both retired after scoring half centuries as the hosts made a blistering start to their innings and found themselves on 120-0 after 12 overs.

However the visitor’s bowling attack soon hit back to reduce Surrey to 195-5 after 24 overs.

Hampshire vice-captain Ryan west, led his side’s fight back after scoring 50 and the visitors required 13 runs from the final over.

In the last over B1 batsman Dave Daniels smashed the ball back over the bowlers head for a four and as B1s score double runs he would have scored eight.

However during his backswing Daniels hit his stumps with his bat, but the only player to notice was Surrey’s wicket keeper who appealed. Neither of the umpires heard or saw anything however in the spirit of the game, knowing he has hit his stumps, the Hampshire batsman tucked his bat under his arm and walked off.

The visitors who won the league last season, finished on 188-8 however had the eight runs scored by Daniels have stood, they would have won the game.

Hampshire captain Ian Morris said: “From my perspective mixed emotions, we allowed them too many quick singles in the field and this probably gave them 20 runs more than they should have.

“Whilst Ryan was as good as ever it was the team effort with the bat that impressed me, Matt Greenhoffs 27, Dave Daniel’s 16 and Patricks Dunn’s 15 off eight  balls in the last three  overs so nearly got us home, it was great batting from the young man.

 “As for the rest of the season I  am philosophical, last year our top order were murdering everyone and we won the league, this year we are more reliant on our middle order and in  most of the games we have come up 30 runs short.

“However this is meant to be development cricket and no-one is developed by watching your top order smash centuries whilst you sit on the sideline, so whilst silverware might desert us this season I  believe we are building a  stronger side for the future.”

Image courtesy of South West Londoner via YouTube, with thanks.