Petersfield’s second team won by seven wickets at Fareham & Crofton’s third team in Division Five South East of the Hampshire Cricket League on Saturday.

Petersfield skipper Steve Gibson won the toss and elected to field. Petersfield started well, with Gibson (three for ten) striking in the first over. Rob Allerston (two for 42) bowled a good spell, and some excellent catching from Adam Kidd, James Longland and Ash Spencer – together with two run outs – reduced Fareham to 66 for seven.

First change bowlers Archie Maclean and Adam Kidd (one for 22) kept the pressure on as Fareham slipped to 90 for eight. A strong fightback from Devender Mehta (93), assisted by four dropped catches from the Petersfield fielders, propelled Fareham to an unlikely all out score of 180.

Petersfield’s reply began brightly as the drizzle began to fall, with Tom Horwood (27) and Jake Hastie (41) putting on 40 for the first wicket. Horwood and Gibson (two) then fell quickly, but with Spencer (40 not out) at the wicket Petersfield were well placed. Petersfield were close to the required rate when Hastie fell, bringing Kelly (eight not out) to the crease.

The innings continued as the rain began to get heavier, eventually forcing the umpires to take the players off with Petersfield on 124 for three in the 25th over. Some quick calculations confirmed Petersfield were in a winning position, and with no more play possible both captains shook hands to give Petersfield their fourth win of the season and propel them back into mid-table.

Petersfield’s third team crashed to a comprehensive nine-wicket defeat at home to Overton’s third team in Division Six North East of the Hampshire Cricket League on Saturday.

Marcus Sampson (30) top scored as Petersfield were bowled out for 78. Overton knocked the runs off in the 18th over.