Morgan Frost dominates stunning last-wicket stand as Fareham & Crofton claim first Southern Premier League victory

He dominated a superb last-wicket stand with No 11 Andrew Martin that was crucial to his side’s 45-run Division 3 victory over South Wilts 2nds at Bath Lane.

Coming in at No 5 with the score 75-3, Frost was an onlooker as Fareham dipped to 91-6. Then 121-6 quickly became 125-9.

However, he hit 14 fours and a six in making 86 - sharing a last-wicket stand of 70 with Martin, whose contribution was six not out.

It was Frost’s second highest league score, behind his 103 for Fareham in a Hampshire League game against St Cross 3rds in 2016 when he was a teenager.

‘We had just lost four wickets for only six runs, dropping from a healthy 70-1, so it was essential I kept my concentration and picked up as many runs as I could,’ Frost said.

‘When Andrew arrived at the crease, we were 125-9 and not in a great position.

‘I just emphasised how important it was he kept his wicket intact while I got stuck into anything loose.

‘To be fair, Andrew’s worked hard on his batting and knows what he’s doing, so that took the pressure off.

‘Dressing room confidence soared at that point. We’d beaten Hartley Wintney in the t20 the previous weekend, so there was a real buzz when we went out to field.

‘To get our first win on the board has stimulated everyone.’

Skipper Tom Kent (24) and Craig Jeffery (27) had put on 50 for Fareham’s first wicket after the former had chosen to bat.

Jeffery (3-17) and Dan Reader (3-25) led the Fareham wicket-taking list as South Wilts were bowled out for 150.

Martin, having played a big role with the bat, also claimed the key wicket of opener Tom Morton (21).

Despite their first win, Fareham remain bottom of the table - second bottom Fawley also won, beating Parley by 11 runs.

Skipper Tom Kent (24) and Craig Jeffery (27) had put on 50 for Fareham’s first wicket after the former had chosen to bat.

Jeffery (3-17) and Dan Reader (3-25) led the Fareham wicket-taking list as South Wilts were bowled out for 150.

Martin, having played a big role with the bat, also claimed the key wicket of opener Tom Morton (21).

Despite their first win, Fareham remain bottom of the table - second bottom Fawley also won, beating Parley by 11 runs.

Sway are 27 points clear at the top after extending their winning run to five games with victory over third-placed Havant 2nds.

Andrew Galliers (24) and Julian Atkins (22) put on 50 for the first Havant wicket after the visitors had chosen to bat.

But the innings quickly subsided to 61-5 with ex-Kent pro Hugh Bernard (3-23) removing Tom Wragg and Olly Perkins for ducks.

No 8 Matt Hayward top scored with an unbeaten 30 but Havant were bowled out for a below-par 144 (extras 28, including 24 wides).

Tyler Bradley (3-39) dismissed the hosts’ top three, but Alex Hall (33) and David Steadman (28 not out) took Sway to their latest victory in the 28th over.

Gosport Borough remain second despite a 28-run defeat to Trojans at Privett Park.

Asked to chase 167 for victory, they appeared in good shape with Lee Harrop (49) helping them to 82-2.

That was as good as it got, though, with 111-4 quickly becoming 120-8. Eventually they were bowled out for 138 (Luke Dimmock 4-10).

Muhammad Ali had taken his SPL best figures of 5-32 as Trojans recovered from 80-5 - Quinton Venter (28) and Steff Rowlands (27) adding 50 for the sixth wicket.

The top two meet next weekend with Gosport heading down to the New Forest.

Additional reporting by Mike Vimpany.