ANDOVER pulled off an amazing smash and grab raid by snatching the Southern Premier League Division 1 championship title.

The Lions had 21 precious win points in the bag before the key matches involving Hook & Newnham Basics and Basingstoke, and Bournemouth and Sarisbury Athletic had even been rained off.

Keeping a meticulous eye on the threatening weather rolling up the English Channel, Andover rushed Portsmouth out for 93 and knocked off the runs, writes Mike Vimpany.

“We knew we had to win and win quick but I don’t think anyone thought we were actually going to do it,” confessed happy Andover skipper Matt Hooper, who took five of the Portsmouth wickets.

Andover were initially held up by openers Fraser Hay (32) and Rich Locke (14), who put on 34 before Mike Adams struck a double blow.

Portsmouth then progressed to 51 before a treble wicket blast by Babu Veettil (3-36), including the prize scalp of the dangerous Australian Hay, prompted a massive collapse.

“Babu was a real find,” said Hooper, who picked up his star signing from Essex Premier Leaguers Ilford, Graham Gooch’s old club.

“There was no doubting his quality but he started the season in the seconds as he was coming back after injury.

“He has bowled better as the season has gone on and I am really pleased he has done so well. He has a hunger to get wickets and he is a very clever bowler as well.”

Hooper modestly underplayed his own role, taking five of the last six Portsmouth wickets to fall.

“We were getting word through that Bournemouth (a big danger) were posting a big score, so had to get on with it after tea,” Hooper explained.

It took Andover 21 overs to polish off the target – lead batsman Glyn Treagus hitting 28 not out – and about ten minutes after Portsmouth’s total had been breached, the heavens opened.

“Talk about good timing,” Hooper laughed.

“We’d done our bit, but it was a long time before we knew we’d actually won the league.

“The games at Bournemouth and Hook obviously went on a lot longer and it was some while before they were eventually called off as no results.”

The win was Andover’s 11th in the past 12 matches, prior to which they had lost three of their opening five games.

“It’s been a remarkable turnaround and I’m really pleased for everyone at the club.

“There is such a great atmosphere and so many people there are willing to volunteer and help out so I hope they enjoy our success too.”