PHC celebrate big win over Rangers

Dean Stephens and Jason Anderson were the toast of the dressing room after helping PHC dethrone Western Counties champions Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval last weekend.

Stephens (three for 53) was the catalyst behind a top order batting collapse that forced Rangers on the back foot, the cup holders sliding from 67 without loss to 80 for four in quick succession.

Wicketkeeper and opening batsman Jason Anderson then anchored PHC to victory with an unbeaten 77 while wickets tumbled around him.

National team seamer Kevin Tucker (three for 43) also featured prominently in PHC's shock win, their second over Rangers in cup competition this season.

Afterwards jubilant PHC skipper Kyle Lightbourne praised his players for their hard work ethic and impressive display in the field.

He said: "The big thing for us is that we were able to hold on to some big catches at crucial stages of the game. Rangers had like 60 runs after five overs and then Dean came on the ball and picked up three quick wickets to peg them back." 

First change bowler Stephens had heavy hitters Kwame (zero) and Janeiro Tucker (one) and Andrew Raynor (zero) all caught cheaply to complete a hat- trick of scalps in the space of 12 balls.

Rangers eventually folded for 204 in 39.5 overs, with opening bat Dion Stovell leading the resistance with a match-high knock of 78.

PHC found themselves wobbling at 100 for five in reply. But victory always seemed on the cards as long as the in-form Anderson - who was dropped twice - hung around the crease.

He added 46 runs for the sixth -wicket with skipper Lightbourne (21) and another 49 runs for the seventh with player/coach Clevie Wade (32) — partnerships that ultimately let the air out of Rangers' last gasp bid to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Lightbourne added: "Jason had a fantastic innings. It was a good game and overall I thought our players worked really hard."

Capping a fine all round display - albeit in a losing cause — was Stovell who claimed two wickets for 45 runs with his off-break spin to lead Rangers' bowling attack.

Newly crowned Western Counties champions PHC will now rest their title on the line in Saturday's second round clash with Willow Cuts at Southampton Oval.