Nat-West U16 League - Towler half-century in vain

Tim Towler hit the first half-century of the season in the NatWest Hampshire Under-16 Indoor Cricket Championship at the Rose Bowl.

But his efforts proved in vain as St Cross Symondians slipped to a 26-run defeat by newcomers Bournemouth.

Having trimmed Locks Heath by three wickets in their opening match, St Cross eyed a double against the Dorset debutants.

But Bournemouth, comfortably beaten by Locks Heath in their opening game, produced a much-improved performance under the critical eye of former Hampshire left-hander Richard Scott.

Connor Nolan (28), Tim Cox (26), Matt Dalton (25) and Chris Coombes (19) all batted well as Bournemouth posted a formidable 159-1.

St Cross were all at sea after two early setbacks and had to settle for 133 all out, with Towler hitting 50 and Joe Lovett (26).

Locks Heath made 130-3 (Gareth Ransley 27) but lost by three wickets to St Cross, for whom James Irvine-Fortescue (36) and Towler (27) shone.

Hampshire Women's starlet Kirsty White (34) top scored in Locks Heath's 142-4 (Ransley 27) against Bournemouth, who were dismissed for 116.