Calmore Sports IV v Andover V.

AN imperious knock from opener Richard Woodley saw Andover V pick up a win in a tight game at Calmore.

Put into bat after losing the toss, Woodley immediately tucked into the home bowling, peppering the boundary with regularity.

He received support from Zahid Hanit, who was equally aggressive in compiling a quick 34, and then the watchful Michael Brown (15), who dropped anchor while Woodley provided the fireworks on his way to a season’s best 83.

A middle order flourish from skipper Jay Mann (22) and some crucial late runs from John Coplestone and Tom Scott saw Andover to a competitive 204-7.

In reply an early wicket from Brown (2-32) and a spectacular run-out from Adam Bourne got Andover off to a flying start.

Calmore stayed in the chase despite losing wickets to Woodley (2-49), Mann (2-59) and Umaid Ali (2-49), and, with danger man Martin Donovan (50) at the crease, were always in with a chance. However, with the target in sight, Woodley enticed Donovan into an-ill-timed cut shot that was edged behind into the waiting gloves of wicketkeeper Chris Hooper.

Calmore’s young tail-enders battled manfully, but the task was beyond them and Andover held on to record a satisfying win.