SKIPPER Richard Morris revealed Bashley’s 12-run victory over Totton & Eling had been down to calmness under pressure.

Bashley made it two wins from two in the Southern Premier League’s top flight against a side that featured 13-year-old debutant Ethan Taylor.

The hosts were put in to bat at the BCG and scrapped to 146, their best contributors being Michael Porter (25) and Aussie youngster Jaron Morgan (22).

In reply, Totton felt just short on 134 as Andrew Neal claimed three for 21, while there were two-wicket hauls for Kevin Nash, Simon Ridley and Rosco Grierson.

Relieved to get over the line, Morris told the Daily Echo: “In the past we may well not have won that game, but we stayed calm under pressure and were quite clear in our plans with bowling and fielding.

“We were prepared to keep it nice and simple and not try and do anything too different. In those close games, I think that’s what gets you over the line.

“The reality is that the wicket and the ground were wet and we lost the toss, and at the time it looked like that would be all-important.

“Somehow we managed to fight our way to 140-odd. We didn’t bat particularly well, especially in the middle overs, but it was hard work.

“We came into our own in the second half of the game with the bowling and the fielding in particular. We held on to all our catches which made a difference.”

Morris was impressed with the way youngster Taylor performed against those much older than him.

The Bashley captain added: “He fielded particularly well and you could tell he had a good cricket brain from the way he was moving around in the field.

“At that level he’s the youngest player I’ve seen and it’s testament to him that he didn’t look out of place. He had a good, competitive attitude and it would have been good experience for him.”

Elsewhere in the division, Lymington suffered an 18-run defeat at the hands of Hampshire Academy.

Visiting skipper Joe Weatherley hit a patient 102 and he was ably backed up by Tom Alsop (51) as Hampshire totalled 197 for three from their 50 overs. Matt Metcalfe took two for 42.

Lymo’s Dom Hand (49) and Ryan Scott (53) both impressed with the bat but the hosts fell short on 179 after Brad Taylor wiped out the middle order and Weatherley disposed of the tail.