Wimble hits third successive half-century as Fareham & Crofton beat Havant 2nds to top their Hampshire District League

Fareham & Crofton batsman Sam Stoddart was caught off this stroke in his side's win against Havant 2nds. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

The opening batsman hit 56 as his side defeated Havant 2nds for the second week running to claim a third win in their six group matches.

Wimble had previously compiled 51 against Bedhampton and Havant’s second team - as well as 48 against Portsmouth 2nds - and this time he put on 85 for the first wicket with Tom Kent (29).

That gave Fareham a good start as they set about chasing Havant’s 205-4 total.

Sam Stoddart batting for Fareham & Crofton against Havant 2nds. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

Sam Stoddart was also aiming for a third successive half-century after scores of 53 not out against Bedhampton and 59 against Havant.

But he had to settle for 36 before Steve Berryman and Ben White both ended unbeaten on 32 as Fareham collected a five-wicket victory.

They ended up pipping Portsmouth 2nds for top spot on a runs per wickets methodology after both teams finished with 17 points from six games.

Earlier, Havant had been put in after visiting captain James Headon won the toss.

Steve Berryman on his way to an unbeaten 32 for Fareham & Crofton against Havant 2nds. Picture: Chris Moorhouse.

After Charlie Whitfield fell early, Simon Loat and debutant Faizan Tamsin added 113 for the second wicket.

Loat departed one short of his half-century while Tamsin went on to top score with 68.

Ben Turk (40) and captain Alex Whitfield (32) ensured Fareham had to chase over 200 for victory.

‘We’re happy with how the games have gone,’ said Headon, who replaced Kent as captain ahead of the season eventually starting in mid-July.

Havant 2nds celebrate a wicket off Danielle Ransley's bowling against Fareham & Crofton. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

‘We’ve been able to give some younger lads their first taste of 1st XI cricket.’

Left-arm spinner Ben Thomas, 20, has been joined in the first team by Chris Reynolds, 19, and 18-year-old wicket-keeper Alex Thomas.

Fareham were relegated from the Southern Premier League’s fourth tier on the final day of the 2019 season.

They were due to play in County 1 of the Hampshire League this year, but will now start life back there in 2021.

Friendlies against Hook and Gosport Borough complete Fareham’s season in the next fortnight.