BATSMAN Charlie Pierson admitted US Portsmouth's bowlers had not offered any "freebies" after Ellingham were dismissed for just SEVEN runs.

The paltry innings set a record low for runs scored in the Hampshire Cricket League, surpassing the previous record of 11 set by Southampton Community in 2012.

Ellingham were set a revised target of 116 after their hosts had posted 120 in a rain-affected County Division One clash at Burnaby Road on Saturday.

Opening batsmen and former Wales international footballer Andy Jones – who hit eight goals for Cherries during the 1990-91 season – went for nought and matters barely improved.

In fact, only three of Ellingham's batsmen managed to score a run, with the four runs earned from wides being the biggest contributor to the visitors' total.

The home side's John Parker enjoyed the spell of his life as he took six for one, while Fraser Quirke posted a remarkable four for six, with Ellingham bowled out inside 13 overs.

Pierson, who had stepped up from the seconds, admitted it had been a tough day at the office for Ellingham's batsmen.

Reflecting on a remarkable clash, he told the Daily Echo: "After the first over of the US Portsmouth innings it started to rain and we carried on for about three overs before going off.

"Our opening bowlers couldn't grip the ball and there wasn't any swing or movement and the ball was skidding through nicely for the batsmen, and they got off to a fairly good start.

"As the pitch dried out through the innings, it got a lot harder to bat on and our second and third-team bowlers picked up the last five wickets for 10 runs.

"We knew 116 was going to be a big ask to chase down and both their opening bowlers were excellent.

"The guy who took six wickets swung it both ways at a good pace. Unfortunately, they didn't give us any freebies."

Despite the heavy defeat, which saw the final eight wickets fall for the gain of just two runs, Ellingham did earn five bowling points for their efforts.

Brad Hammas took three for zero for Ellingham, while skipper Sean Leadbetter claimed three for 35. Ali Redfern and Sam Stone both claimed two-wicket hauls.

Jim Edwards, who was among the Ellingham duck-makers, said: “It was a disciplined display from John Parker – with freak boomerang-like bowling – and a wet pitch which made the ball skid through at ankle height.

“We were expecting a rained-off fixture and went ill-prepared with only two recognised first XI players.

“Did we fancy our chances? Not really, we knew if they got four wickets there was only little batting to follow.”