Superb Dalrymple century condemns Hill to defeat against Henley 2nds

Boyne Hill were powerless to stop Henley 2nds opener Matt Dalrymple as he struck a magnificent 129 to condemn the Hill to their third straight league defeat.

Skipper Ziya Mohamed conceded that the free-hitting Dalrymple was simply on ‘another level’ to his side on Saturday.

No part of the field was safe as the Henley batsman bludgeoned 23 boundaries, including 10 sixes, during an opening partnership of 160.

Such was Dalrymple’s dominance that when he was finally caught at deep mid-on by Usman Ilyas on 129, his opening partner Ben Purchese was stuck on 19 runs.

“We were trying to protect one side of the field and bowl to the field but he was just clearing the boundaries with ease,” said captain Ziya Mohamed.

“To be honest we didn’t bowl that badly, he just batted really well.

“He didn’t give us a chance.”

While there was relief at dismissing Henley’s dangerman, the damage had already been done and the hosts struggled to restrict the visitors from piling on the runs.

Hamid Riaz (4/45) played his part but when Henley’s number 6, Nathan Hopkins, added another 56 to the scoreboard, Boyne Hill’s task grew considerably.

Opener James Hammerton (44) provided a platform as the hosts looked to chase down Henley’s 309 for 6.

But he couldn’t match the heights of his counterpart Dalrymple and with Usman Ilyas (74) the only other batsman to trouble the scorers, Boyne Hill fell short after being bowled out for 218.

Mohamed added: “Looking at our first three games, the bowlers didn’t get us out, we gave our wickets away.

“We had a talk about it after the game and it’s something we’re trying to improve. Hopefully we can improve and a few of our batsmen can score some runs.

“We just need that one win to boost our morale. Everyone is down at the moment but with the calibre of players we have, hopefully one win will turn the tables around.”