Lymington slipped to defeat and another lacklustre performance at home to Burridge in a 50 overs game. Too many players are still out of form, especially the batsmen who have yet to pick up a bonus point so far this season, with confidence of the side lacking.

Lymington won the toss and surprisingly to some who know the wicket well decided to bat. Facing the best seam attack in the league, bowling wicket to wicket, and some help from the pitch, especially at the start, Lymington always struggled. The normal opener Terry Crabb (24) was joined by Karanveer Kooner (8) but opening bowler Daniel Stancliffe (3-17) was soon among the wickets, all bowled, starting with Kooner (8) and then Ryan Scott (8). This was followed by the scalp of captain Gareth Berg (0) out second ball and so the side had slipped to 26-3.

Crabb though was at least finding some form with a patient knock but then it was the turn of Sullivan White (4-28) to strike wiping out three of the middle order for just three runs followed by Crabb and Lymington were 57-7. Fifteen year old Chay Howell (28) though showing good technique stabilised the innings for a while top scoring with 28 that included five fours. He was well supported by Guy Layman (5 not out) as the pair put on 36 for the eighth wicket before Inayat Ullah (2-17) and Ronnie Singh (1-1) polished off the innings

The Lymington score of just 95 was at least 50 runs short of a defendable total not helped by the afternoon sun making batting easier. It required an early break through but a dropped, although difficult catch, did not help. New Zealand overseas player Charlie Wilson (3-19) at last got going for his new club with pace and a good rhythm removing the first three batsmen. Both opening batsmen were out lbw, Matthew Teale (8) and Ronnie Singh (16), and with Alex Brewer (0) Burridge had slipped to 41-3 and Lymington sniffed a chance.

But Sachin Suresh (26) and Azimunnoor Chowdhury(21 not out) then put on 30 for the fourth wicket before Thor Howell (26) broke the partnership with Singh caught by stand-in keeper Josh Royan. Then contributions from Ephraim Royle (8), before Guy Layman (1-11) had him caught, and then Inayat Ullah (4 not out) helped see Burridge home by 5 wickets.

This coming Saturday the team are away to newly promoted Sarisbury Athletic, with an 11 am start and will need a good result if the side are to get off the bottom of the league table.

New Zealander Charlie Wilson took 3 wickets for Lymington. Photographer James Robinson