Grassroots cricket returns – Havant beat University of Portsmouth in opening pre-season friendly

Nick Ward produced a fine all-round display but Havant CC lifted the curtain on their pre-season programme with victory over the University of Portsmouth.
By Simon Carter
Published 11th Apr 2021, 18:40 BST
Nick Ward on his way to taking four wickets for the University of Portsmouth at Havant. Picture: Keith WoodlandNick Ward on his way to taking four wickets for the University of Portsmouth at Havant. Picture: Keith Woodland
Nick Ward on his way to taking four wickets for the University of Portsmouth at Havant. Picture: Keith Woodland

Opening the bowling, he bagged 4-35 - the best figures on either side - as Havant were bowled out for 214 with four balls remaining of their allotted 40 overs.

Batting at No 5, Ward then struck a breezy 36-ball 41 featuring two sixes - the only ones of the game.

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But the students were restricted to 199-7, leaving Havant winners by 15 runs.

University of Portsmouth players, including wicket-keeper Harry Reed, celebrate the dismissal of Charlie Whitfield. Picture: Keith WoodlandUniversity of Portsmouth players, including wicket-keeper Harry Reed, celebrate the dismissal of Charlie Whitfield. Picture: Keith Woodland
University of Portsmouth players, including wicket-keeper Harry Reed, celebrate the dismissal of Charlie Whitfield. Picture: Keith Woodland

The prolific Ben Walker - back for a second stint at Havant after winning six Southern Premier League titles in his first spell - opened the batting with Charlie Whitfield.

He only made 20 with Whitfield and No 3 George Metzger - the latter making his Havant debut after being released by the Hampshire Academy - both out for 10.

No 4 Pete Hopson struck 11 boundaries in top scoring with 56 off 54 deliveries, with skipper Chris Morgan, batting at 7, hitting an undefeated 48 off 36 balls. Stuart Ransley made 36.

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Morgan couldn’t get the tail to wag, the last four wickets adding only five runs.

Suren Patel fields during Havant's innings of 2014 all out. Picture: Keith WoodlandSuren Patel fields during Havant's innings of 2014 all out. Picture: Keith Woodland
Suren Patel fields during Havant's innings of 2014 all out. Picture: Keith Woodland

The University were on course for victory at 143-4, but Ward’s dismissal was a turning point.

Earlier, opener Suren Patel made 48 before he was stumped by Metzger off Alfie Taw who, with 3-38, was Havant’s main wicket-taker.

Harry Gadd, who usually plays club cricket for Havant, came in at No 3 and made 39 before his younger brother Freddie dismissed him, caught by Morgan.

Krissie Mistry made 35 not out off 30 balls before time ran out.

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