Portsmouth News

Inconsiste­nt Portsmouth lose ... Sarisbury now bottom

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Inconsiste­nt Portsmouth remain in mid-table in Division 1 of the Southern Premier League after suffering a seven-wicket home beating by leaders Calmore Sports.

James Christian’s men have now won five and lost five of their 10 completed fixtures.

Christian and Duggan entered the fixture as two of the leading eight runscorers across all four divisions of the SPL.

But neither lasted long - both trapped leg before by Yannick De Mezieres

Lepervanch­e as the hosts reached 34-2. Duggan, the second highest run-getter in the SPL, was out for seven while his captain made just one more.

No 3 Will Smitherman top scored with 37, adding 43 for the fifth wicket with Hemanshu Hirani (24). But when Smitherman perished, Hirani immediatel­y followed suit to leave Portsmouth 108-6. And when Matthew Walton (0) lasted just four balls, three wickets had tumbled for no runs.

Portsmouth were eventually dismissed for 11 with only two players and extras (23) getting into double figures.

Andrew Marston (3-24) reduced Calmore to 34-2, but opener Ben Johns (57 not out) and Shawn Johnson - a 46-ball 50 - put on 93 for the third wicket and the visitors cruised to victory with almost nine overs to spare.

Sarisbury crashed to the bottom of the Division 1 table after losing to previous cellar dwellers Andover.

Rob Franklin crashed a 26-ball 50 - with six fours and two sixes - as Sarisbury, who had chosen to bat, posted 192-7.

Captain Josh Hill (37) and former skipper Ricky Rawlins (31) were the only other two Athletic batsmen to score more than 11, though, and 26 wides contribute­d to a total of 29 extras.

Opener Sam Ashman

(76 not out) underpinne­d Andover’s reply, batting throughout and hitting the winning run with four balls remaining.

Sam Hill (2-27) and Josh Hill (2-38) were Sarisbury’s chief wicket-takers.

 ??  ?? TOP SCORER Will Smitherman hit 37 for Portsmouth
TOP SCORER Will Smitherman hit 37 for Portsmouth

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