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Old Hambledonians v Ashling

8th June 2008

Old Hambledonians 184-7 (40 overs); Ashling 188-3 (25 overs)

Ashling won by 7 wickets

Loubser 64 n.o. Sleep 63, MacLehose 40; Loubser 3-31

This was the stuff! A great game of cricket on a lovely summer's day in a beautiful setting. And a superb win achieved with some fearsome big hitting. Ashling bludgeoned their way to a quick victory on a day when 374 runs were scored.

Paul Colley may be able to captain the team, but it may now be time for him to relinquish his tossing duties as he lost again, and Hambledonians chose to bat on a flat track. Scoring was slow and after 20 overs only 37 runs were on the board, with the steady but plodding Littlejohn (17) and Clark biding their time. After the drinks break Hambledon went for it and despite some streaky shots, started spraying the ball around. Clark eventually made 57, ably supported by Jones (48.) 40 extras conceded did not help, and with 184 on the board it looked like OHs were off the hook.

Matt Sleep issued a statement of intent by hitting eight off the first over, and despite Cranna going early, partner Loubser, playing an unaccustomed supporting role ensured that the scoreboard kept rattling along at six per over. Sleep's 63 included a six and eight fours and he eventually holed out on the boundary with one big hit too many. MacLehose came to the wicket and kept the party going, amassing a 40 (three sixes and three fours) in no time at all. Nic Loubser (64 not out, four sixes and five fours) hit the winning runs, inevitably a huge six over the bowler's head, with 15 overs to spare. Excellent preparation for next Sunday's big game against the Magpies.