|
|
Purbrook batted with the coach's words about applying themselves ringing in their ears. Sam Pearce (0) and Matt Colban (4) immediately holed out and wandered back to the pavillion to look up application in the dictionary.
Sean Figgins (57) did better and anchored the innings ably supported by Tom Jones (12) and Ben Thomas (6). Purbrook closed their innings on a reasonably creditable 96 for 8.
Purbrook fought hard to defend their total, but Portsmouth had too much fire-power in Neville (56no) and McEwan (22). Sam Pearce (4-0-18-0) and Simon Bennett (4-0-23-1) caused the batsmen problems but the real improvement was in the fielding.
Carl Marsh and James Harrison both caused minor earthquakes with diving stops and both had bruises to prove that they had got behind the ball on other occasions.
The other lads took their cue from this and battled to the last ball. Portsmouth eventually won by 8 wickets. On this occasion it was defeat with honour.
Purbrook: Sean Figgins, Sam Pearce, Tom Jones, Ben Thomas, Hari Haran, Simon Bennett, Jared Carter,
Carl Marsh, Dan Haywood, Matt Colban, James Harrison.
