Antelope and Castle lost the chance to make it 3 wins from 4 after a promising batting display away at Hook. Antelope lost early wickets as Rob Matthews (0) and Dave Agha (7) both went early on to leave Antelope on 17 for 2 after 11 overs. Steve Teepa (40) and Steve Wallis (20) began the repair work as they added 43 for the third wicket in just 6 overs before Wallis fell to a dubious LBW decision after getting an inside edge on to his pad. Steve Lockyer (60) came to the wicket and added a steady 31 in 10 overs before Teepa fell caught and bowled. With Antelope 93-4 after 27 overs it was left to Lockyer and Richard Keep (33) to set about steadying the innings and they managed to keep picking up singles with the occasional boundary as they added
76 before Lockyer was out in the 42nd over as he tried to force the pace. Keep lost his wicket shortly afterwards, but a late flurry from Allan Hurst (23*) and John Barnes (16*) allowed Antelope to add 42 in the last 4 overs and leave them on 225-7 and handily placed at tea.

With heavy clouds closing, the home side put covers on the pitch at tea, but no-one could have expected the heavy rain that followed as the ground became flooded and with no chance of the outfield drying, the Umpires had no alternative, but to abandon the match.

Antelope entertain Hursley Park at Doncaster Farm on Saturday looking to reverse the heavy defeat inflicted on them last season.

The match starts at 1.30pm at Doncaster Farm in Eastleigh.

Would all captains please send match reports to Stripe on Steve.jefferies@btinternet.com

Steve.jefferies@btinternet.com

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