Lymington got back to winning ways overcoming South Wilts by two wickets but might be considered somewhat lucky. The fixture marked the involvement of brothers Chay (14 years) and Thor Howell (16) who are the future of the club. Some of the older players though made their mark including a welcome return to form for Conor Moors with a knock of 58 and two sharp catches.

Lymington captain Gareth Berg lost the toss and South Wilts decided to bat on a good wicket on a sunny but not hot day. South Wilts were soon 25-2 thanks to opening bowlers Thor Howell (1-46) and Guy Layman (1-32) and the catching of Moors. James Degg (59) though was in good form as he and Tom Cheater (32) put on 77 for the third wicket before Monam Abbas (2-38) had them both. Captain Ben Draper (42) and especially Trishawn Francis (50 that included 38 in boundaries) then set about the Lymington bowlers as they put on 82 for the sixth wicket in just 11 overs.

Lymington then had some luck as Draper played on from a ball from Eddie Withington (2-48) with the ball dislodging one bail after getting caught in the pads. This had to be confirmed by the square leg umpire and that the wicketkeeper, Robbie Hemmings, had no contact with the ball. Francis after getting to his fifty played a poor shot next ball and was caught by Terry Crabb, for his 10th League catch of the season, off Asad Abbas (2-39). The South Wilts innings then subsided as five wickets fell for 34 runs including two run outs and finished well short of a competitive total.

Monam Abbas (23) and Terry Crabb (57) gave Lymington a solid start putting on 58 for the first wicket before Matthew Falconer (3-59) bowled Abbas. Crabb who is having an excellent season with the bat with 419 runs at an average of 34.92 continued to hold the innings together until he was third out to James Degg (2-47) and soon Lymington were 105-4. But then after a slow start Berg (54) and Conor Moors had a partnership of 111 to turn the game in Lymington’s favour helped by several dropped catches at crucial stages including when Berg was on 31.

Moors though after powering his way to eight fours and one six was bowled by Archie Fairfax-Ross (2-39) that marked the start of another batting collapse as four wickets fell for just 12 runs. This provoked a nail biting finish for spectators and players alike until Asad Abbas (5 not out) was gifted a full toss that was smacked for four and Lymington were home.

This coming Saturday Lymington have their last SPCL league game, after at times an emotional season, with a visit to Portsmouth who sit in mid-table. Lymington are currently third but could finish second if they can overcome a 16 point deficit over Alton. Alton has a top of the table clash with St. Cross Symondians who are already effectively champions and been in dominant form helped by the presence of three first class county players in the side.