In a rain affected match at Days Park, Ryan Norman's team managed 192/9 batting first against Wimborne and Colehill, the visitors needed 179 in a revised total due to weather interruptions but were comprehensively bowled out for a mere 71. Swanage returned to the top of the division, 3 points clear of rivals Broadstone.
In the first return match of the season Swanage hosted Shroton and completed the double on the newly promoted side. 40 runs from Mike Salmon and good half centuries from Ben Baczala and Ryan Norman gave Swanage a healthy 248/7 total to bowl at. Steve Kent, Mike Hernandez and Pete Richards all grabbed a brace ensuring the visitors were kept at arms length eventually finishing 197/9.
Batting first, Swans 1st XI made what seemed like a below par 181 with Ian Booth's 39 and Ben Baczala's 64 the pick of the batsmen. A very close game went to the wire thanks to the bowling of Mike Hernandez 3/24 and Ryan Norman 4/31 with Dorchester winning by 1 wicket.
Sherborne's total of 252 on 17 June looked to be enough with 2 wickets each for Ryan Norman and Mike Hernandez, Rob Hatchard went two better with figures of 4/53. Rob Hatchard then enjoyed a 48no with the bat together with a fine innings by Steve Kent 62 and Francis Kerins 47. 254/9 which gave Swanage a one wicket win.
Swanage batting first made an impressive 275 against fellow table-toppers Broadstone - 24 June. Dan Salmon back in the runs with 60 and an excellent 100 no from Craig Wells as well as a solid Matt Beard 39. Broadstone went to the the last over of the game making 276 and winning by 1 wicket. Mike Wells taking 2/10 Mike Nash returning figures of 1/31 off 8.
The 1st XI extended their lead at the top of the table to 25 points after chasing down Martinstown’s 265 to secure a 3 wicket away win. This was, however, a fluctuating game with Pete Richards and Ryan Norman making quick inroads to leave the home side on 44-3. However Fraser Hill (95) then enjoyed some solid partnerships lower down the order whilst the Swans struggled to bowl a consistent line with 41 wides testing the agility and patience of Phil Eades behind the stumps. Wickets however continued to fall with the returning Ricky King (2-56) and Matt Beard (2-39) complementing the efforts of Ryan Norman (2-36) and Pete Richards (2-29) to eventually dismiss the home side in the 45th over.
The Swans reply started poorly and at 39-3 much relied upon a composed innings from Ricky King (46) to steady the ship. Such was Ricky's fluency in his first knock for 9 months his dismissal came as a bit of a surprise and his departure was quickly followed by Simon Goldsack to leave the Swans on 120-5 and relying on all rounders Pete Richards and skipper Ryan Norman to get them back on track. Pete (62) then showed his wonderful composure to score his maiden premiership 50 as the Martinstown’s bowlers began to serve up their own host of wides. But Pete’s departure at 179-6 still meant there was much to do and with the run rate creeping up to 7’s Ryan Norman found a further ally in Steve Kent (22) to take the score to 222-7. With pressure mounting Matt Beard (9*) joined the fray and the key moment of the match soon followed when Martinstown dropped Ryan Norman with some 30 runs still required. It was one of those chances when the inevitable seemed inevitable and the next batsman in (Wells) was already on his way with the ball in the air before he happily span around to return to his seat. In reality Ryan deserved this element of good fortune as he had batted very sensibly and with great restraint on arriving at 120-5 before striking several lusty blows over the ropes towards the finish to end on 65 not out. A true captains knock and a wonderful team effort.
"5* Swans' move 13 points clear at the top of the Premier Division"
Swanage made it an incredible 5 wins out of 5 with a convincing 57 run victory over Stalbridge at Days Park last weekend.
After being asked to bat first by the visitors, the hosts were soon on the 'back-foot' against some very hostile, seam bowling. The innings was rescued by 2 very contrasting 'knocks' from Rob Hatchard - who made a very solid 24 and Tom Salmon who 'smashed' a quick-fire 25. However, when they both fell in quick succession the hosts were in the very precarious position of 117-6. At this time, 'star' Aussie all-rounder - Steve Kent came to the crease and batted brilliantly, combining sound defence with some fierce straight drives. He made an excellent 29 and with some great support from both Phil Eades and Mike Nash they enabled the hosts to reach a more respectable total of 174.
In reply, the visitors were soon under pressure against some good bowling by Hatchard and Ryan Norman. However, the game changed in the hosts favour with the introduction of leg-spinner Kent - who was simply unplayable, taking 4 wickets for just 16 runs from his allotted 10 overs reducing the visitors from the serene position of 47-2 to 81-7. He was ably supported by both Pete Richards and Nash. This enabled Swanage to record another memorable win and consolidate their position at the top-of-the-table.
Shillingstone - Home- Swanage 126/2 won by 8 wickets
Swanage 1st team's perfect start to the season continued with a comprehensive 9-wicket win over lowly Shillingstone at Days Park. Swanage won the toss and elected to bowl first to make use of the helpful, overcast conditions. The visitor's were soon under intense pressure from he hosts opening pair of Rob Hatchard & Ryan Norman. This intensity was maintained by Ian Booth, Steve Kent and Mike Nash - who all bowled beautifully. However, the stand-out performer for the fourth game in-a-row was Pete Richards - who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the Division. He bowled another incredible spell of hostile, swing bowling to claim his second four-wicket haul of the season to help 'shoot-out' the visitors for just 126.
In reply, Swanage got-off to a solid start by John Lewis and Francs Kerins together they put on 40 for the first wicket. When Lewis fell, Kerins was joined by Booth - who was at his most fluent best, striking the ball to all corners of the ground. He finished unbeaten on 59 - which included 8 boundaries and Kerins also played superbly remaining undefeated on 44. This convincing victory along with Broadstone's reversal means that Swanage are the only undefeated side left in the league with an 11-point lead.
Wimborne - Away - Swanage 186/7 won by 3 wickets
The 1st XI travelled to Wimborne and won a very important toss and elected to bowl first in overcast conditions following the rain. The hosts were soon under pressure against some brilliant, economial bowling by Ian Booth, Steve Kent & Pete Richards - they helped reduce the hosts to just 115-3 off 37 overs. However, with wickets in hand, the hosts managed to 'smash' 70 runs off their final 8 overs to reach a more respectable 185-5 off their allotted 45 overs.
In reply, Swanage were soon in trouble as both their openers were dismissed early leaving them 'reeling' at 7-2. However, this led to a crucial partnership of 92 between club legend - Ian Booth and the in-form Ben Baczala. Although, when they both fell in quick succession for 41 and 42 respectively the game was 'back-in-the-balance'. This bought Richards to the wicket and for the third match in-a-row he played a perfectly-timed innings - making 49, with both remarkable composure and incredible stroke-play - including 3 'huge' straight sixes to lead Swanage to an amazing hat-trick of victories by 3 wickets. This puts Swanage joint-top of the Premier Division.
Poole Town - Home - Swanage 216/5 won by 5 wickets
Swanage 1stXI played host to one of the 'favourites' for the Premier Division title Poole Town.
Swans' captain, Ryan Norman won the toss and elected to bowl. Swans' opening pair of Norman and Rob Harchard along with the in-form Pete Richards and Elliott Baczala all bowled brilliantly to help restrict the visitors to 161-4 off 39 overs, however, with wickets 'in-hand' Poole would have felt they had the 'platform' for a big score. At this point, Norman returned and together with the introduction of leg-spinner - Steve Kent, they both managed to claim a 'brace' of wickets to help restrict the visitors to a slightly below-par score of 215-8 from their 50 overs.
In reply, Swans got off to the perfect 'solid' start through their opening-pair of Craig Wells and Francis Kerins together they put-on 46 at 4 runs an over. When Kerins departed, Wells was joined by Ben Baczala together they doubled the score to leave Swans' in a good position in their pursuit of the total, at this point, Wells was brilliantly caught in the covers for 31. The momentum of the innings was maintained by Baczala and Hatchard, who together took the score to 142 with 13 overs remaining. However, when they both fell in quick succession - Baczala for a magnificently constructed 58 which included 9 boundaries. It was left to 'skipper' Norman to 'smash' a quick-fire 27 and then, Richards, who remained both calm and undefeated on 24 along with Tom Salmon to guide Swans' to a famous victory in the last over by 5 wickets.
Shroton - Away - Swanage 182/6 won by 4 wickets
Shroton got off to a flying-start and laid the perfect foundation for a big score at 70-1 off 10 overs. However, the match changed with both the bowling of Pete Richards and a sensational catch by Mike Nash in the deep. Richards bowled his away-swinger's to devastating effect taking 4 quick wickets - he was unplayable. Together with the returning, Rob Hatchard - who also took a brace of wickets reducing the hosts to 139-8. However, some 'big-hitting' by the lower order ensured that the hosts reached a more respectable total of 181.
In reply, Swanage got-off to a solid start through Matt Thomas. However, when he departed Swanage lost 3 wickets in quick succession and were in trouble. Ryan Norman swung a fluctuating game back in Swanage's favour with a quick fire innings, although, when he was brilliantly caught Swanage were reeling at 105-6. All-rounder, Richards joined Hatchard at this crucial time and they both batted brilliantly together, mixing solid defence with some thunderous front-foot drives. They remained undefeated with Richards making 46 and Hatchard 33 guiding Swanage to an invaluable early-season victory.
27 Aug - Sadly the 2nd XI could not continue their good form against a strong Corfe Mullen side who made the Swan's total of 110 with little trouble, an excellent 33 by Cameron Beard the highlight of the innings.
20 Aug - The 2nd XI now have a sniff of surviving in their final game at home on Saturday thanks to another victory at Abbotsbury. Peter Barker's men bowled the home side out for 167 with Charlie Dyke taking 4 wickets and Tom Salmon 3.
In a close finish, Tim Ives 47, David Haines and Scott Orchard made the runs for he loss of 9 wickets
13 Aug - The 2nd XI continued their good fortune with a solid performance at home to Hamworthy. Scott Orchard's 37, Tom Salmon's 30 and the deft nurdling of Paul Yerby the pick of the batting. The fielding performance was the high point of the day with Swanage creating good pressure in all areas leaving Hamworthy some way short of the home side's total of 156. Mike Wells 3/31 and Tom Salmon's 8 overs 1 wicket for 7 runs the highlight with the ball.
6 Aug - The 2nd XI travelled to old foes Sturminster and Hinton, in an exciting and close game, Swanage could not break down the solid batting of the home side despite an excellent 76 from Craig Wells aided by 39 from Peter Baczala, Sturminster making the total of 202 in the last over of the game.
30 July - The 2nd XI also had cause for celebration, recording their first victory of the campaign at home to local rivals Wareham. Thanks to a 152 run partnership between Tim Ives (77) and the quick firing Pete Baczala (72 no), Swanage had a good total of 225 to defend. The experience of seasoned campaigner Ronnie Barker meant and end to a string of close finishes as Wareham were dismissed for 175 in a sporting contest at Days Park.
23 July - The 2nd XI had an all to brief visit to Blandford on Saturday with a disappointingly low scoring performance, Tia Norman's appearance and rear guard defiance with the bat the highlight of the day.
16 July - The 2nd XI once again came out fighting against strong opposition with Craig Wells, back after many years in the wilderness, taking charge with the bat and top scoring with 69, ably assisted by Tim Ives 39. The Dorset Indian batsmen had no trouble with the weakened bowling attack however, making the total for the loss of only two wickets.
9 July - The 2nd XI also performed well against top of the table Charlton Down with Cameron Beard's 69 runs and Jack McDermott's 4 wickets the highlights of the game. Sadly the Swans could not match the away side's total but it was a strong performance nonetheless.
2 July - Despite an excellent 73 from Peter Baczala the 2nd XI could not overcome the 302 runs posted by Puddletown.
18 June - Swanage 2nd XI came runners up at home to Abbotsbury.
11 June - Pete Barkers men bowled and fielded well at Hamworthy Rec but failures with the bat meant second place despite Andy Baczala's 30 runs, Cameron Beard's 4 wickets were one of the highlights.
4 June - Too many dropped catches and not enough runs meant the 2nd XI suffered another defeat at the hands of old enemies Sturminster and Hinton.
14 May - Andy Tillman's last stand, batting at 11, was the highlight of game, as the 2nd XI found the Dorset Indians too good, away at Broadstone.
7 May - With many of the 2nd XI players promoted to the 1st team, Pete Barker's side have been slightly under strength thus far and not been able to find much form in Div 4.
Charlton Down showed no mercy, inflicting a heavy defeat at their ground on Saturday.