Knicker-gripper at Dean Road
The results on 4 May weren't brilliant, but three games against near-neighbours Old Hamptonians provided excellent cricketing fare. The ones in particular had a useful run out and indeed a nail-biting finish (see the card here). Old Hamptonians had first hit and put 161 on the board. With an outfield as slow as a posse of lethargic snails that was a decent effort.

Toby Godfray (65 off 107) was by some distance Hamptonians' star turn with the bat, young Max Hunt again caught the eye with the ball (2-34). Faff Fourie also chipped in nicely (2-13 off 7).

In reply the Ts started well, but things seemed to get progressively more difficult. Keeper-batter Ben Leale-Green helped himself to 30 (44 balls), and whilst he was at the wicket with Don Manuwelge (30 off 60) things looked good for the Ts. Faff Fourie (32 off 43) and Nikhil Nomula (25 off 40) also chipped in nicely, but no one quite went on and played what would have been the decisive knock.

With wickets falling and the run-rate rising the game built up to an exciting crescendo. And, it was Hamptonians who just about came out on top, winning by a couple of runs. Decent doo all round.

Hamptonians 2s' triumph on the Green
On the Green Hamptonians' 2nd XI also batted first , and their innings went a similar way to the two at Dean Road (see here for the card).

The visitors put 171 on the board, Oscar George heating an important 63 (off 90 balls). Farrukh Tahir's 39no (off 44) was also more than useful at the end.

Wayne Edgar (3-32) was the shining light for the Ts, although Dev Tomlinson (2-23) also claimed a couple of poles at the end. Eugene Berger was his usual stingy self through the middle.

In reply the Ts were always facing a bit of challenge. Bowling looked to be their stronger suite on the day, and a quick batting collapse meant that any hopes of chasing the total down soon went south. Only two batters got in double figures, Tomlinson (16 off 41) leading the way with Anush Ganesh (12 off 37) doing their best to lead the rear-guard. Hamptonians subsequently got home with plenty to spare.

Bozdar shines for the threes
It was a not dissimilar story in the 3rd XI game. 4th XI skipper Hinay Dassani lead a side with a decidedly experimental look about it over to Hamptonians.

Plenty of lessons were learnt, but ultimately Hamptonians got home at a canter (see here for the card). The hosts batted first and put 246 on the board, Paul Carson scoring an impressive 107.

Praneeth Reddy was the star of the show for the Ts, taking 2-39 and being one of only three players to reach double figures with the bat. It was nonetheless good to see Shah Bozdar dig in and show some metal - he went in at 10 and was 51no at the end. Excellent stuff.

So, that means pre-season is officially done and dusted. We move on to the league campaign next week. Fingers crossed the weather plays ball.