Clanfield fell to a 137-run defeat against Kerala’s third team in Division Five South East of the Hampshire Cricket League on Saturday.

With heavy rain forecast, Clanfield won the toss and elected to field first – but the bowlers struggled to find wickets and consistency. Opener Kuthubudeen Abdul Malikoo continued his good form, taking two for 31.

Despite the constant rain and slow outfield, Kerala batted well with opening batter Prajun Kallidil scoring 59. With a drying pitch playing to Kerala’s strengths, the home side piled on the runs. Pranav Pathiyarappattu finished on 72 not out, with Bobino Rajan (42) also in the runs.

Kerala stepped up the run rate in the final ten overs, scoring another 100 runs to finish on an impressive 241 for five after 40 overs.

Clanfield started their batting innings on the back foot, as the drying pitch created an unpredictable surface. Wickets fell in quick succession with opener Arun Kumar taking three for 11. Jomin Jose was the standout bowler, claiming five for 19.

Ollie Sedgwick started a spirited recovery, scoring 27 runs that brought up Clanfield’s 100-run batting point. Clanfield finished on 104 for nine.

Clanfield’s first team had beaten Rowner by 143 runs in their previous match.

Matt Bradley scored 115 not out as Clanfield scored 219 for five before bowling Rowner out for 76.

Clanfield’s second team slipped to a five-run defeat against Sarisbury Athletic’s fifth team in Division Six South East of the Hampshire Cricket League on Saturday.

Sarisbury made light of some early loose bowling to pile on the runs and eventually finished on 183 for six at the end of their allotted 40 overs.

Clanfield found runs hard to come by early on and slipped to 34 for three. Dave Hickey and Adam Smith took the score to 128 before Smith fell for 47. Hickey played some classy shots to reach 59 before he was run out with the score on 153. John Windebank (16 not out) and Phil Weaver (14 not out) pushed the score on, but Clanfield finished six runs shy of victory on 178 for five.