Totts Ashes reign ends at Cadnam

Tottonians’ reign as the New Forest Ashes holders came to an end, but not without a battle, as they slipped to a 41-run defeat to Cadnam in an annual Rugby v Cricket contest at Lamb’s Corner.

CADNAM CC 242-1 (35 overs)
TOTTONIANS RFC 201 all out (32 overs)
SCORECARD: FULL MATCH SCORECARD

Having held the unofficial New Forest Ashes for the last two seasons, the hosts decided enough was enough and came out with considerable purpose as they put the Tottonians bowlers to the sword.

There was early hope for Faisal Iqbal’s side with the dismissal of Dan George, superbly caught by the juggling Charlie Presland with the score at just 16 but that was where the wicket taking ended as three Cadnam batters came and reached their half centuries before retiring.

Some quality batsmanship saw the home side to their imposing total of 242-1 in their 35 overs as Marcus Green, Vishal Nirwan and Ravi Singh all raised their bats and walked off.

This was despite some good bowling from Dan Williams (1-33 in 7 overs), Alex Robinson who was unfortunate to concede 43 from his 7 while Charlie (0-27) and Dylan Kirk (0-25) both kept the scoreline to a minimum as did some impressive fielding, especially from the skipper who threw himself around the outfield as well as both ladies in the team!

However, in true Tottonians fashion, they were not going to go down without a fight as openers Faisal and Pierre-Alex Clarke put on 52 for the first wicket in just 7.2 overs.

Clarke was the first to go for 23 from just 22 balls, crashing four fours and a five in his breezy innings.  Presland followed soon after for 4 but this just brought Jonny Lovell to the crease to partner his skipper.

They put on 36 before Faisal retired with 50 to his name from just 48 balls, punishing anything short and anything idea, crashing six fours and a six into the trees on his way to his unbeaten milestone.

But it was Lovell who carried on the momentum, despite losing Michelle Hausen for a superb single and then Dylan Kirk cracked a four and a six in his lusty 15 from 12 balls, taking the score to 151-4 with just under 14 overs to go.

However, a steady trickle of wickets followed as Tyler Haward, Dan Williams, Archie Baker, Alex Robinson and Fiona Dymond all came and went, reducing the visitors to 188-8 which allowed the two retirees back to the field as Jonny has also strolled off with his half-century from 40 balls.

However, the rate continued to climb and Faisal was run out going for a risky second to bring the innings to a close at 201 and defeat by 41 runs, Jack Hinton the pick of the Cadnam bowlers with 4-24 with his unique spinning style while the future Mrs Hausen, Charlotte Hughes claimed 2-42 from five tidy overs.

Once again, a hugely enjoyable day out with great company and a healthy Tottonians attendance – hangovers and all from the previous evening’s exertions at Deano’s annual BBQ!  A great thank you to Cadnam Cricket Club for hosting us once more … we will be back for our urn in 2026!!

OUTSTANDING PICTURES FROM CADNAM CC PHOTOGRAPHER @davebodymore (on instagram)……