Aussie teen Howard Biddle announced his arrival on the Hampshire League scene with a savage boundary blitz which rocketed newly promoted Ropley to victory over Rowledge II in just 16 overs.
The 19-year-old from Queensland’s Gold Coast biffed seven sixes and eight fours in a blistering 89 not out as Ropley breezed past a modest Rowledge total of 132 to celebrate their County Division 1 debut.
The Australian’s impact on the game didn’t end there. Alongside Will Gabb (3-14), Biddle also took 3-20.
Ben Boon hit an undefeated century as Ellingham – runners up to Waterlooville last season – overpowered relegated Bournemouth II by five wickets.
Bournemouth posted 201-9 (David Doust 4-31), but Boon’s unbeaten 110, supported by Mark Burrett (39), swept Ellingham home.
75 extras St Cross Symondians III contrived to concede a staggering 75 extras – a ‘gift’ that set up a 17-run win for United Services at the Green Jackets Ground.
The 75 sundries contributed to almost one-third of a US total of 223 – a score St Cross (206 all out) were not far short of.
Liam Moggeridge (52) hit a half-century as Locks Heath defended 237-9 to beat Hook & Newnham Basics by nine runs.
Damian Edwards hit 84 but was unable to guide Lymington II past Shrewton’s 264-8, while newly promoted neighbours New Milton were heavily beaten at Portchester.
Zimbabwean teenager Campbell Saul enjoyed personal success, scoring 78 and then taking three wickets on debut for Fareham & Crofton, for whom Cams Hill schoolboy Angus Southon also made fifty.
But Fareham’s 229 was effectively blown away by George Hatt (72), who thumped boundaries galore as hosts Ventnor cruised to a six-wicket win.
Another teen, Will de Cani, spanked 101 as newly promoted Longparish began CD2 life with a win at Compton & Chandler’s Ford, while George Pothas, brother of former Hampshire skipper Nic Pothas, cracked 85 not out as Burridge II beat Basingstoke & North Hants II.
Winchester hockey player Robbie Craddock smashed a quick-fire 108 in Flamingo’s win over Fawley, while Alex Wakeley hit a century as Bishop’s Waltham overcame Follands.
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