De Villiers takes great SPL form into T20 Cup
Matt De Villiers carried his superb Southern Premier League form into the T20 Cup as Hambledon defeated higher tier opposition in the first round.
The South African had compiled scores of 89, 67, 63 not out and 100 in his opening four SPL Division 3 appearances for the club.
He followed that sparkling run up with an unbeaten 52 as the Dons defeated Division 1 side Sarisbury Athletic by six wickets with almost two overs in hand at Allotment Road.
Asked to chase just 105 for victory, De Villiers - coming in at 23-2 - struck seven fours in his 44-ball innings to raise his seasonal average across all formats to 123.67.
De Villiers had earlier opened the bowling for Hambledon, dismissing Sam Floyd for four with just his third delivery.
He was brought back late on and, with the fifth ball of his third over, removed last man Jed Bradley to finish with 2-9 as the hosts were limited to 104 all out.
In between, Nathan Feltham (25) - two sixes and two fours - had top scored for Sarisbury while skipper Josh Hill, partnering Floyd at the top of the order and one of the most destructive batters around on his day, made just 11.
Jonty Oliver (3-15) was Hambledon’s most successful wicket-taker while De Villiers was also responsible for one of two Sarisbury run-outs.
*Holders Havant star their defence of the silverware at home to one tier lowe Basingstoke & North Hants on Sunday, June 12. On the same day, Gosport host Alton and Burridge welcome OTs & Romsey. There is also a heavyweight tie between Hampshire Academy and South Wilts.