Calmore Cougars (194-4) beat Fawley (98-4) by 96 runs

Calmore Cougars followed up their dramatic last ball victory over Bashley Rydal with a comfortable 96 run win against Fawley at a sun bathed Loperwood Park. The visitors won the toss and elected to bowl on what looked to be a good batting pitch. That decision to bowl however started with promise as opener Ben Johns and Sam Godfrey were removed in quick succession leaving the hosts stuttering in the early stages.

It was skipper Matt Taylor (50*) who hit a patient half century to repair the damage and was supported with contributions from Jack Nicholson (17) & Taylor Vane (40), leaving the hosts in a good position after 12 overs. Some big hitting from Tom Houlder (20) & Harry Morgan (14*) helped the Cougars set a competitive 194-4 off their 20 overs.

The power play was going to be crucial if the visitors had any chance of chasing down the target and they were immediately put on the back foot with some tight bowling from openers Tom Houlder (0-5) & Callum Stanton’s brother Kaine (1-12). Some excellent fielding and further contributions from Ben Johns (0-15) & youngster Dan Eckton (1-13) who impressed again, restricted the hosts to 98-4 off their 20 overs.

Team:   B. Johns, J. Nicholson+, S. Godfrey, M. Taylor*, T. Vane, T. Houlder, K.Stanton, M. Crowe, A.Pattison, H. Morgan & D. Eckton
Man of the Match: Matt Taylor

Calmore Cougars (209-4) beat Sway Massive (97 all out) by 112 runs

Calmore Cougars maintained their winning start with an impressive batting display against Sway Massive at Loperwood Park on Wednesday. Skipper Matt Taylor won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Openers Ben Johns (53*) & Jack Nicholson (51*) helped get the Cougars off to a flyer in the opening overs and built a platform for a big total. Further contributions from Matt Taylor (26), Sam Godfrey (16*) & Michael Donovan who hit a quick fire 33 in his final game for the under 19’s sent the Loperwood Park outfit to an impressive 209-4 off their 20 overs.

Similar to the Fawley game the power play overs were going to be crucial for either side and it was Sway who took advantage of some wayward bowling, Tom Houlder’s opening over going for 9 and Callum Stanton’s brother Kaine dispatched for 19 in the second. The hosts were stunned as the massive found themselves 42-0 off 4 overs. Some tight overs were needed and it was spinner Ben Johns (4-9) & swinger George Woodhall (1-13) who reduced the Sway onslaught. Dan Eckton (1-25) & Harry Morgan (4-9) finished things for the Cougars as the visitors were dismissed for 97 inside 18 overs. An impressive batting display from the hosts but still room for improvement with the ball as New Milton are next up on the 7th August at Fortress Loperwood.

Team:   B. Johns, J. Nicholson+, S. Godfrey, M. Taylor*, M. Donovan, G. Woodhall, T. Houlder, T. Vane, H. Morgan, K. Stanton & D. Eckton

Man of the Match: Ben Johns

 

Written by  head coach Steve Wright.