Andover smell promotion with victory in penultimate game

Andover were invited to bat first on a flat looking London Road surface. They initially struggled, losing stand in opener Matt Hooper and Harry Blackburn before the score had reached 10. However, Sam Ashman (19) and Charlie Ayers set about repairing the early damage, grinding out a partnership amid some tight Fawley bowling.

With the score on 58, Ashman was well caught and bowled by off spinner Wayne Smith to leave the town side faltering. However key man Ayers (77), was joined by Nathan Birks (72) and together the pair batted together for 25 overs, putting on a partnership of 120 for the 4th wicket. By the time Ayers fell for a well made 77, Andover were on 170 with 10 overs remaining, eying up a big finish to the innings.

In the push for late runs, Andover suffered a mini collapse, losing Nathan Birks and the destructive hitters Babu Veettil, Max Souter and John Nyumbu cheaply. Gurpreet Basra was the architect of the collapse, taking 3 wickets and a direct hit run out.  A late partnership by Matt Knight (22*) and Aidan Jansen (10*) helped Andover to achieve a total of 234 for 8.

Fawley came out all guns blazing, with Ex-Pakistan international Sufian Munir taking 40 off the first 5 overs, putting the pressure firmly on Andover. Nerves were beginning to jangle amongst the home supporters, until Charlie Ayers took an incredible diving one-handed catch to remove Munir. With the loss of their star man and tight disciplined bowling and fielding from Andover, the Fawley reply quickly lost momentum. Zimbabwe star John Nymubu, Aidan Jansen, Mike Adams and Babu Veettil shared the wickets as Fawley were eventually dismissed for 129.

Andover entertain Hook and Newnham Basics at London Road in their final game of the season knowing that a win will secure them promotion.