CRICKET
RYDE made a flying start to their Hampshire League 1 campaign with victory against Bedhampton.
Blair Granger used the new ball to great effect, as he clean bowled the home side’s opener with the fourth delivery of the day.
Granger’s opening partner Andy Day added to the early breakthrough with two wickets in two balls, the second thanks to a brilliant one-handed diving catch by Tom Morgan at extra cover.
Spinner Dale Hackett got an early introduction and he soon dismissed Bedhampton’s dangerous left-hander, before Granger took a one-handed catch at slip.
Julion Jayerajah (3 for 20) maintained the pressure but Bedhampton captain Stuart Gardner (51) staged a mini rescue, as they closed on 168 all out.
The Ryde batsmen went to work patiently to chase down the target but Hackett (19) was dismissed by a fine diving catch.
Opening partner Cameron Mitchell (42) was in fine form and Ryde’s captain, Lawrence Tolfrey, played an patient, risk-free innings, punishing the rare bad delivery. His 56 off 86 balls and a quick-fire 27 from Toby Jackson meant Ryde crossed the line with six overs to spare.
Ryde travel to Hook and Newnham Basics tomorrow (Saturday).