The second round of pre-season friendlies brought encouraging performances and a good atmosphere around the club, with two of the three fixtures going ahead on a fresh, dry day.

Hursley’s pitch remains unfit after the winter, so the 2nd XI trained instead. That left the 1st XI hosting Sarisbury, while the 3rd XI welcomed local side Farley at Wilton Road. A junior hockey tournament alongside the cricket created a lively backdrop, with plenty of activity around the clubhouse and the pizza van proving a popular addition.

1st XI vs Sarisbury
Sarisbury chose to field on what looked a strong pitch and outfield. It also marked the first opportunity to see our overseas players, Joshua Chippendale and Liam Vermeulen, who arrived from South Africa this week and are adjusting quickly to early-season English conditions.

After the early loss of Broderick, Chippendale settled well at the crease, making 22 and showing good composure. Wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving captain Ben Draper to steady things. Archie Fairfax-Ross added a useful 24, while Vermeulen gave a glimpse of his power with an impressive strike over the boundary.

Draper anchored the innings with a well-constructed 75, guiding the side to a competitive total of 196.

In response, Sarisbury never gained momentum. Matt Falconer and Archie Pascoe reduced them to 27 for 5 early on, with Falconer taking four wickets and Pascoe two. The rest of the attack supported well, and Sarisbury were eventually bowled out for 121, 75 runs short.
A solid run-out for both sides, with one final friendly next weekend at home to Hampshire Academy, starting at 11:00.

3rd XI vs Farley
With no 2nd XI fixture, attention shifted to the 3rd XI at the Academy Ground. The side featured a strong mix of youth and experience, with several younger players contributing confidently alongside more experienced teammates.

A 101-run opening partnership between Henry Smith (50 retired) and Alex Vincent (69) set the platform. Jacob Rowe (23) and George Gundill (44) built on that start, both showing promise with bat and ball. Farley’s Hand was the standout bowler with three wickets.

Farley’s reply never really developed. Gundill opened the bowling with five overs, five maidens and a wicket, setting the tone early. Rowe followed with an excellent spell of 5 for 17. Jake Redding added 1 for 13, while Naimur Rahman and Albin Jacob gained useful overs. Jody Everett wrapped things up quickly, taking a wicket with just his second delivery.

Overall, a strong weekend with clear progress across the club as preparations continue for the start of the league season.