Ben Foxwell’s half-century and Sam Beeley’s four wickets ensured victory for Hawkesbury Upton Cricket Club’s 1st XI in their opening league match at Hatherley & Reddings on Saturday.
In the Gloucestershire County Cricket League division two clash, Hawkesbury won the toss and elected to bat but openers George Bailey (8) and Jay Westwood (1) were quickly dismissed off the bowling of Mirza Mahmud.
Despite the early losses, the middle order dug deep with William Ireland (20), Foxwell (67), Alistair Bell (35) and Chris Gardener (24) helping Hawkesbury build a total of 204-9 off their 40 overs.
In reply, Hatherley & Reddings’s top order all went cheaply with Mike Colborn (2-6), Rory Thomas (2-27) and Ireland (1-18) among the wickets.
The home side’s middle order batsmen gave some resistance but the tail-enders could not cope with the spin of Hawkesbury bowler Beeley. He finished with figures of 4-33 as H&A were bowled out for 101 off 27.3 overs.
The 103-run victory gave Hawkesbury 21 points and the top spot in division two after one round of games. In their next league fixture, Hawkesbury’s 1st XI will host Gloucester A.I.W. Sports CC at the John Hawkins Ground on Saturday 8 May (1pm start).