SPCL1 Week12 - Parlane smashes Andover to all parts

BAT Sports are effectively 43 points clear of their nearest rivals Bashley (Rydal) in their bid to reclaim the ECB Southern Electric Premier League championship.

A crushing nine-wicket win over Andover, predictably led by a thumping 166 not out by New Zealander Neal Parlane, has put the 2001 league champions in a near unassailable position.

Parlane smacked eight sixes and 25 fours in his highest individual score yet as Andover's challenging 249-8 was simply blown away.

BAT travel to Bashley on Saturday, but only a major downturn in fortune will prevent them from regaining the trophy from Havant, who suffered a third defeat against the Academy.

Richard Dibden's side will virtually have the title tied up if they beat Bashley next weekend, making the August 16 showdown with Havant purely academic.

Led by Rose Bowl assistant Mark Miller, who struck a season's best 97, Andover put up a gallant show at Southern Gardens.

Toby Radford (31), Ian Gardner (33) and Roger Miller (23) all provided useful support, with Richard Dibden (3-67) BAT's most successful bowler.

Mark Miller's ultra-safe hands accounted for Damian Shirazi, but the young left-hander's departure was Andover's solitary success as Parlane took over.

Sixes and fours rattled all around the ground, with a staggering 148 of the Kiwi's 166 coming in boundaries !

Richard Kenway did well to garner some of the strike and finished with 62 not out as BAT posted 251-1 in 39.5 overs.

BAT's near neighbours Calmore Sports remain fastened to the Premier basement - 20 points behind Liphook & Ripsley - after a tame draw with South Wilts at Loperwood Park.

Tom Caines (36), Paul Draper (34) and Jason Laney (31) were among the seven batsmen in double figures as South Wilts reached 225-9 off 66 overs.

Mark Boston (4-100) and Charlie Freeston (3-69) wheeled away for Calmore, who appeared to have got themselves into a decent position at 125-2 through a half-century by Gary Stinson (54), Martin Bushell (30) and Paul Cass (29).

But they didn't altogether challenge a target of 100 off the final 23 overs and, with Stuart Bailey 42 not out, closed at 196-5, 29 runs behind.