Bash close in on leaders after academy victory (From Bournemouth Echo)

Bash close in on leaders after academy victory

7:00am Monday 2nd July 2012 in Cricket

HIGH-flying Bashley remained hot on the heels of leaders South Wilts following a convincing win over Hampshire Academy.

Bash pair Ross Grierson and Neil Thurgood taught the county youngsters a lesson with fine performances in the five-wicket victory on Saturday.

The New Foresters registered 25 points to maintain second position in SPL Division One as they completed a fourth success in six outings this term.

Grierson returned fine figures of five for 43 as he featured prominently to help dismiss the Academy for 180.

Well placed at 67 for one, Hampshire lost five wickets for just 28 runs before Lewis McManus (65*) led the fightback.

But from 165 for six, they were skittled for 180 as Bash left themselves a tempting target.

Opening duo Thurgood (80) and Sean Terry (24) laid the platform with a solid partnership of 61.

Luke Webb (32) made an important contribution as Bash got home in the 56th over.

Meanwhile, Matt Metcalfe and Ryan Scott took centre stage as Bournemouth hauled themselves off the foot of the table.

Metcalfe took five wickets before finishing unbeaten on 24 to help top scorer Scott (75*) see off Alton by five wickets at Chapel Gate.

The Lions continued to make up ground on their rivals following a pre-season points deduction thanks to a strong all-round performance.

Alton’s top four all made promising starts with openers Michael Heffernan (37) and Jonathan Dow (30) backed up by Ryan Hale (31) and Scott Myers (27).

But the visitors declared on 176 for eight after 62 overs having slumped from the good position of 136 for three, with Metcalfe claiming five for 62.

Bournemouth went on to claim 18 points as Scott and Metcalfe finished the good work of Alex Butler (45).