ABBOTSBURY 166-5 (11pts) lost to ROYAL CHALLENGERS 170-9 (17pts) by one wicket

A DEPLETED Abbotsbury narrowly fell to a second successive home defeat in a one-wicket loss at home to Royal Challengers in County Division Four.

The Swans were only able to field 10 players due to injury and unavailability, but were still hopeful of a positive result against the Poole-based Royal Challengers.

After winning the toss, skipper Simon Pengelly and batting partner Mark Beale made a good start against the Challengers’ attack with Pengelly hitting six fours in a quickfire innings of 32 before being snuffed out lbw to the bowling of Milton Jacob (3-42).

However, a mini collapse followed with Beale (7), David Worsdell (5) and Krishnan Subramanian (4) all departing for single figure scores as Abbotsbury slipped to 60-4 after 13 overs.

Nick Kneebone (44no) and Simon Pittman (22) were able to steady the ship, though both batsmen found runs hard to come by as the duo edged the score on to 126-4 after 33 overs, Pittman finally succumbing to Skariah Devasia (1-16).

The incoming Pete Bustin (24no) swung the bat to good effect with three early boundaries, but while the visitors were unable to take any further wickets they were successful in continuing to restrict the scoring rate as the Swans completed the allotted 40 overs with a target to chase of 166.

In reply, Challengers openers Sreekanth Kadalayil (12) and Joby Jose batted steadily before Pengelly nipped out the former lbw in the 12th over.

The incoming Jiju Thomas came in swinging and lived a charmed life with aerial shots landing safely and should have been dismissed early on but was dropped at mid-wicket.

Swans’ spinner Subramanian (3-20) made inroads however by removing Jose (30) and then followed up with two further quick wickets to raise Abbotsbury hopes.

With only three regular bowlers to choose from, Pengelly had to dip in to the part-time bowling options which allowed the visitors to increase their run rate.

However, with the batsmen still looking to attack the bowling despite a low required run rate, Abbotsbury were suddenly back in the game as Thomas (57) edged one to wicketkeeper Worsdell when Bustin (2-19) returned for a second spell, Ian Tucker (1-22) had Eldho John (7) out caught at square leg and the erratic spin of Kneebone (2-36) was rewarded with two successful lbw shouts to leave the visitors nine down.

However, with the scores tied number 11 batsman Jismon Varghese (4) hit Kneebone for a boundary through the covers to spark jubilation in the Challengers’ camp.

The result leaves both teams tied on 41 points in joint third place in Division Four with leaders Ashmore awaiting the Swans in the next match.

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