A dry, firm pitch at Sandrock on a warm but gusty day was the venue for a Saturday contest between hosts Clive Vale and visitors Southbourne.

Winning the toss and weakened by the unavailability of some of its core players, Vale elected to bat first and set a target, but lost wickets and balls at regular intervals until they reached tea having posted a total of 137 runs from only 30 overs. Opening batsman Rama Patel carried his bat for a stoic 51 not out, supported by guest player Jainan Patel (25) and Chris Brook, who was brilliantly caught at slip by Bourne off the bowling of Williams having made his way quickly to 19. Pick of Southbourne’s bowlers were Williams (2-25), Hatton (2-4) and Inayat (2-22).

After tea, Southbourne set about chasing the target and openers McMahon (23) and Hatton (36) batted well against the Vale bowling before Hatton was forced to retire due to the demands of the clock. Southbourne’s other successful batsmen were Ahmed (31 not out) and Geering (17). Wickets went to Jainan Patel (3-19) assisted by a catch held by Rama Patel, and Ivan Buss, who toiled away for 10 overs and ended up with 1 for 48.