Penton 131-7 lost to Portchester 135-9

A good performance from all-rounder Mick Vince was not quite enough to snatch victory away from Portchester in a nail-biting match on Saturday.

Electing to bat first, an under-strength Penton side soon found that runs would be at a premium on a surprisingly dry and unpredictable wicket. Mick Vince (56) at number three played a watchful and vital innings, putting together a useful 58 partnership with Keith Truscott (17). Wayne Green (19) was the only other batsman to make double figures as the innings finished on 134 for 7. Shaun Kelly (4-32) was the pick of the Portchester bowlers on a difficult batting track.

Portchester were allowed to add 46 before the first wicket came, as Dave Kennell (32) and Paul Hungerford (22) got the innings off to a good start. At 65 for 4 the match was evenly poised. Roy Burch (2-14) and Mick Vince (4-15) bowled well in tandem, reducing the visitors to 100 for 7.

The advantage swayed back and forth throughout the innings, and a 23-run partnership put Portchester back in the driving seat. But Vince replied with two wickets in three balls, leaving 12 runs required with 1 wicket intact. Sadly, two boundary misfields and 27 extras gifted the match to the visitors as Wayne Tolliday (16*) kept his head to hit the winning runs.

l Penton II visited Shrewton III three bowlers short. This proved to be the difference as they too ended up coming out second in a close battle.

Batting first Penton amassed 211 for 5, the second time in two weeks they had posted over 200. John Hunter (73), Phil French (39) and Ronnie Fort (27) all contributed. Although eight wickets fell chasing this total, Penton didn't quite have enough bowling to defend it.

Nick Hall (3-69) and club president Frank Stock (2-34) took the wickets in what turned out to be a disappointing day for both sides.