HARTLEY Wintney I had a great game with the ball in last Saturday’s Southern League Division Two game, with Dan Reynaldo striking down four wickets against home opponents South Wilts II.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Hartley then proceeded to make 216 runs for nine over the next 50 overs.

“It was a weird decision to call,” Hartley captain Danny Plume said, “with the weather looking like it could go either way. So we decided to bat first and that proved to be the right decision in this case.”

Wicketkeeper William Kerr (45) kicked off Hartley’s scoring with Henry Collier, who went out first for 19. Skipper Danny Plume then entered to bat, scoring 21 runs before being out with an lbw. William Kerr was next out, before being followed by Jamie Teale, who scored eight runs, entering the problematic middle overs for Hartley.

Rex Porter managed 24 runs after that, and Danny Flanders only made four runs before being caught. James Beckwith was next to fall, making 10 runs, before Will Ross was stumped after taking 33. Mark Teale was the last batsman to fall for Hartley, who was out for a duck leaving Rhys Batcup (25) and Dan Reynaldo (4) at the stumps to finish the 50 overs.

Hartley captain Danny Plume said: “We had a reasonable start, and that really helped to get some runs on the board. Yet again, we slumped in the middle overs, but managed to bring it back towards the end of our batting.”

The away side shined when it came to the bowling, with Dan Reynaldo felling four of the wickets, with James Beckwith taking three and Rhys Batcup taking the first batsman within the first over.

Plume said: “We saw some really, really good bowling from our side. It was a pivotal part to us winning the game, Dan and James put in an amazing performance.”

The victorious Hartley have their eyes set on this weekend’s home match against Paultons. Plume said: “It’s a difficult one. We should have some other members of the team available and that might give us the advantage we need. They’re a decent side and hopefully we can pick up another win.”