2010 Season Summary from Mike Nash......

Swanage Cricket Club's Saturday side won 7 of their 15 games to finish comfortably in mid-table in Dorset Division 2. The highlight of the batting was IAN BOOTH's century at WITCHAMPTON, he also passed 50 on four other occassions. The other major contributions came from MIKE NASH and FRANCIS KERINS who both scored 3 half-centuries, BEN BACZALA also made two 50's and TOM WAKE-WALKER and PAUL HIGHAM also registered half-centuries. The highlight of the bowling was MIKE WELLS' 5 wicket-haul at Wimborne. The leading wicket-taker was RICKY KING with 21 wickets closely followed by BACZALA with 20 and BOOTH 17.
     

The Sunday 1stXI won 7 of their 13 matches to finish a very respectable fourth on their return to Dorset's top-flight. BOOTH was again the star with the bat hitting a century at Blandford and also notching six other half-centuries. The other players to score half-centuries were as follows:- MATT THOMAS, CHARLIE WYCHERLEY, BACZALA, HIGHAM and NASH. The best bowling performance came from BOOTH with a sensational 5 wicket-haul against BOURNEMOUTH. The leading wicket-taker was BACZALA with 22 to just beat BOOTH with 21 and KING 20.
        
The Sunday 2ndXI won 8 of their 14 games to finish 3rd in their first season in Division 5. The batting highlight was a fantastic century from MIKE SALMON at Shillingstone. The other players to register half centuries were:- PETE DYER, JACK HECTOR, ADAM KING and ROGER WILCOX. The bowling stars' were BINOY DEVASIA who took two 5 wicket-hauls and TERRY WHITE and WILCOX who also both claimed 5 wicket-hauls'.
       
Chairman RON BARKER made a point of expressing his "sincere gratitude to the club's four main sponsors, GEE WHITES RESTAURANT, HUMPHRIES KIRK SOLICITORS, MASALA RESTAURANT and PJC ACCOUNTING SERVICES for their much appreciated, valued support. TOM YEATES and PETE BARKER for the preparation of the pitches and hard work at the club, TATTY KING and JOHN NASH for their help with umpiring duties, PETE DYER for his superb scoring duties, MIKE NASH and MIKE WELLS for their fantastic reports/website but most importantly TRACY KING for the 'BEST TEAS IN DORSET' ".   

The final league positions are shown in the table below.

2010 Season Match Reports

 To access the match reports for the 2010 senior games simply scroll down the reports below to find the weekend and match in question. Reports for 2007, 2208 and 2009 seasons can also be accessed from the links opposite.

On Saturday, Swanage travelled to BERE REGIS in their opening Division 2 encounter. The hosts' won the toss and decided to bat and were restricted to 39-1 off 19 overs due to excellent bowling by both RICKY KING and BEN BACZALA. However, the hosts' rallied in the middle order and despite a brace of wickets from 'skipper' IAN BOOTH and BACZALA who also finished with 2 wickets BERE REGIS reached a respectable 196-6. In reply, Swanage got off to a solid start and at 105-2 in the 28th over with BACZALA and BOOTH both looking good. However, on 41 BOOTH was adjudged to be run out in what was a contentious, game changing decision. With the loss of their inspirational captain Swans' middle order collapsed to 130-8. BACZALA batted brilliantly reaching his half-century but he ran out of partners' as Swans' were finally dismissed for just 151.

The Sunday 2nd XI recorded a convincing 90 run win in their Division 5 visit to Cheselbourne with a sublime 96 from Steve Bishop being the focal point of the Swans batting. Coming to the artificial wicket after the loss of Pete Dyer (21) Bishop was soon in his stride and he swept, pulled and drove his way to a quick fire 50. Ably supported by David Haines (33) the partnership continued to blossom and a thunderous 6 by Bishop over midwicket bought up the 100 in the 21st over. It was too good to last though and shortly after Haines fell Bishop played across a straight one to be LBW just shy of the majic three figures. However, Adam King (47) and Mike Wells (38not out) didn’t give the bowlers any respite as the Swans finished their innings on 261-4. The Cheselbourne reply started badly as Bishop picked up a wicket with the first ball and both Terry White (2-18) and Sam Price (2-33) picked up a brace each to leave the home side teetering on 53-6 in the 19th over. However, the latter batsmen played very sensibly and as much as skipper White changed his bowling attack, including giving 6 overs to debutant Michael Haines, only one more wicket fell as the home team finished on 161-7.

Swans' played hosts' to a very strong Christchurch side in treacherous weather conditions in Dorset Division 2. The visitors' batted first and got off to a flying start reaching 195-2 off just 30 overs. The visitors' progress was halted briefly by Ian Booth who claimed 2 quick wickets. However, the middle order accelerated again to amass a formidable 272-4. Swans' set off in pursuit of the mammoth target in positive fashion through Mike Nash. But after the loss of 2 quick wickets he was joined by Francis Kerrins and together they added a partnership of 75. Nash fell for a sublime 69 - an innings which included 9 fours and a huge 6. When Kerrins followed soon after for a fluent 41 the hosts' lower order collapsed leading to a comprehensive defeat for Swans.

The Sunday 1st XI travelled to Kingston Lacy for their first encounter in Dorsets' Premier Sunday Division. Despite the loss of an early wicket to a diving Ron Barker catch the hosts got off to a solid start through their ex-County star Dan Park. Their progress was however stalled by a fantastic spell of bowling by Ben Baczala who claimed a brace of wickets, including Park for a sensational 142 and Pete Barker. Park's innings helped the hosts' attain a massive 262-4, the majority of which came in boundaries as anything lose was dispatched. Swans' reply started brightly with a half-century opening stand between Lewis Kirby and Matt Thomas but when their loss was quickly followed by Steve Bishop hopes of victory began to fade. Ian Booth however kept up the momentum and despite wickets falling reguarly he scored a fluent 66 to ensure that the Swans obtained maximum batting points, albeit some 70 runs light of the winning target.

The Sunday 2nd XI won their home game against Pokesdown Willows by scoring 218 for the loss of 7 wickets and then bowling Pokesdown Willows out for a meagre 37 all out.

Due to their late arrival Pokesdown forfeited the toss and Swanage’s captain Terry White elected to bat first. The opening pair of David Haines and Peter Dyer got Swanage off to an excellent start with an opening stand of 89. Peter Dyer’s contribution was a quick fire 52 whilst David Haines scored a composed 25. Adam King, coming in first wicket down, also contributed well with 23 and Mike Haines, batting for the first time in senior cricket, scored 18 with some stylish stroke play. However it was Jack Hector who provided the backbone of the innings, once the openers had gone, with a fine unbeaten 51 to steer Swanage to a competitive total of 218 from their 45 overs.

In reply the Pokesdown batsmen were no match for the peerless bowling of opening pair Roger Wilcox and Sam Price and were all out for 37 in 16 overs. Roger took 5 wickets for 20 runs from his 8 overs. He was helped by two very sharp catches from wicket keeper Adam King. At the other end Sam bowled an excellent length at good pace to claim 4 wickets for 20 runs from his 8 overs. His wicket haul included 3 in one over!

On Saturday, Swanage entertained WITCHAMPTON. Swans' batted first and got off to a solid start through IAN BOOTH and the in-form MIKE NASH. NASH was batting serenely, driving forcefully, when he was disnissed for a fluent 41 with the score on 65, BOOTH followed soon after and this triggered a disastrous collapse as Swans' slipped from 65-1 to 96-9; Swans' were finally dismissed for a meagre 119. In reply, Swan's openers FRANCIS KERINS and RICKY KING bowled beautifully and reduced the visitors' to 36-3. However, the visitors' middle-order rallied and they reached their target for the loss of just one more wicket leaving Swans' to contemplate another heavy defeat.

On Saturday, Swans' travelled to fellow strugglers BLANDFORD in Division 2. The hosts' won an important toss on a blisteringly hot day and got off to a flying start reaching 146 off just 30 overs, their momentum was halted briefly by FRANCIS KERINS who bowled a great spell claiming a brace of wickets. This could not prevent the hosts from racking-up a formidable 250-2 from their 45 overs. Swans' reply started positively through MIKE NASH and KERINS who shared a half-century partnership at 5 runs an over. NASH was dismissed for a fluent 31 this brought to the wicket the in-form IAN BOOTH. He and KERINS took the score past 100 when KERINS was out for 30. BOOTH batted majestically scoring a sensational 69 but when he was brilliantly caught out the visitors' innings fell apart and Swans' were restricted to 196-9.

The Sunday 1st XI suffered a 3 wicket defeat against Parley in their Division 1 encounter at Days Park as the visitors recovered from 106-7 to pass Swanage’s total of 189-9 without further loss. This disappointing result was largely due to key moments going against the Swans, none other than when Ian Booth was unfortunately run out by a deflected drive when backing up too far at the non-strikers end. Booth (44) was in top form at the time and his departure at 92-4 placed the onus on the young batting line up following to respond. They did so magnificently, first through Ben Baczala (32) who played some sumptuous straight drives and then from Charlie Parsons and Jack Hector who both looked composed at the crease in scoring 15 apiece. Peter Barker (23) also provided much needed momentum in the final overs to help the Swans reach 189-9. Parley’s response stuttered in the face of a hostile spell of bowling from Ricky King (2-33) and with Ian Booth grabbing 4-35 in their middle order Parley were wilting in the glorious sunshine at 106-7. However a couple of half chances then went begging in the field and with these so did the Swans chances of gaining the victory that their efforts so deserved.

Also on Sunday, the 2ndXI visited WINTON in what turned out to be a day to remember for Swans' stalwart ROGER WILCOX whose all-round exploits' enabled Swans' to win their third game out of four. Firstly, WILCOX rescued Swans' from the precarious position of 98-7 with only ADAM KING who struck 31 making any score of note at that stage. WILCOX batted sublimely hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes in a swashbuckling knock of 73. He shared in a century partnership with PAUL NORMAN who batted solidly in support making 27. This allowed Swans' to post an unlikely, but extremely competetive total of 197. WILCOX then bowled with plenty of guile to claim 3 wickets but the star performer for Swans' with the ball was BINOY DEVASIA who claimed a five wicket haul he was ably supported by TERRY WHITE who took a brace of wickets as Swans' secured a memorable victory by 25 runs.

Sat 29th May - Match rained off

Sun 30th May

On Sunday, the 1stXI travelled to CRANBORNE in their latest Division 1 clash. Swans' were asked to bat first on a lively wicket following the heavy rain of the previous day and made a steady start through MATT THOMAS, MIKE SALMON and ASHLEY KING who made 21,23 and 25 respectively, despite their efforts Swans' were reduced to 79-5. The innings was given some respectability by a partnership between RICKY KING who made 20 and MIKE WELLS who struck 28. This allowed Swans' to post a total of 130-8 - which at least gave them something to bowl at. In reply, Cranborne got off to a flying start and raced to 80-0 off just 13 overs. The hosts' progress was halted by the introduction of 'skipper' RON BARKER who bowled his off-breaks superbly claiming 3 wickets - despite this, the hosts' reached their target for the loss of 5 wickets.

Also, on Sunday, the 2nd XI played hosts' to PARLEY in their latest Division 5 encounter. Swans' batted first and got off to a SOLID start through PETE DYER and JORDAN BISHOP who made 22 and 23 respectively. However, the middle-order collapsed leaving Swans' in the precarious position of 62-6 - the innings was rescued by a half-century stand between PAUL NORMAN and STEVE CARPENTER. Carpenter fell for 29, Norman remained undefeated on 31 as Swans' at least gave themselves something to bowl at by reaching 140. Swans' reply started brilliantly with TERRY WHITE and CARPENTER both claiming a brace of wickets to help reduce the visitors' to 49-5. Unfortunately, when these 2 finished their bowling spells' the visitors' lower-order rallied and they reached their target for the loss of just 1 more wicket.

Saturday 5th June

On Saturday Swans' travelled to COMPTON HOUSE in their latest Division 2 encounter. Swans' batted first and got off to a solid start through MIKE NASH and MIKE SALMON. When NASH was unluckily given out LEG BEFORE WICKET for 21 this led to a flurry of wickets. The innings was rescued firstly by SALMON who made a fluent 49 and then a half-century partnership between RICKY KING who struck 29 and CHARLIE PARSONS who remained undefeated on 36. This enabled Swans' to post total of 168 - which at least gave them something to bowl at. In reply, the hosts' were soon under pressure due to an excellent spell of pace bowling by KING. However, Swans' were put to the sword by the hosts' SOUTH-AFRICAN batting star who smashed 92 off just 65 balls to guide COMPTON HOUSE to a comprehensive victory.

Sunday 6th June

On Sunday the 1stXI entertained ST GEORGES in Division 1. Swans' were soon in trouble against some hostile bowling and were reduced to 35-5. The innings was given some respectability by a half-century stand between IAN BOOTH and ASHLEY KING. BOOTH was dismissed for 29, KING went on to make a fluent 46 - he was ably supported by MIKE WELLS (17), despite their best efforts Swans' were skittled out for a below-par 143. In reply, the visitors' were soon in trouble due to a brilliant spell of fast bowling by the in-form RICKY KING who claimed 3 quick wickets. Despite this, Swans' only managed to take 1 more wicket before the visitors' reached their target leaving Swans' to contemplate a heavy defeat.

There was no fixture for the Sunday 2nd XI.

Saturday 12th June

On Saturday, Swanage entertained BRANKSOME in Division 2. The visitors' won the toss and elected to bat first on a scorchingly hot afternnon. RICKY KING and FRANCIS KERRINS both bowled hostile opening spells without any luck and the visitors' built a commanding innings. Their progress was halted briefly by PETE KIRBY who claimed a brace of wickets with his left-arm off-spin and KING returned to take his third wicket. Despite this, the visitors' smahed an imposing total of 282-5. Swans' set-off in pursuit of the mammoth target in positive fashion. IAN BOOTH and FRANCIS KERRINS constructed a spectacular opening century partnership at over 5 runs an over. Unfortunately for Swans' they both fell in quick succession - BOOTH and KERRINS making 52 and 53 respectively. The momentum of the innings was maintained by a sensational knock of 54 by BEN BACZALA but when he was brilliantly caught on the boundary attempting another massive six Swans' chances of victory disappeared. Swans' were finally dismissed for 243 in what was a thoroughly entertaining game of cricket.

Sunday 13th June

On Sunday, Swanages' inspirational captain IAN BOOTH struck a majestic run a ball match winning 107 not out to enable the 1stXI to notch up their first victory of the season in their latest Division 1 encounter at BLANDFORD. BOOTH, came to the crease after the loss of an early wicket and together with MIKE NASH added 75 runs for the second wicket. NASH batted superbly - driving the ball fiercely before he was dismissed for an exquisite 58. BOOTH carried-on and paced his innings to perfection bringing up his Century with a towering six - his fourth along with the eight fours he had already smashed in the last of his sides' allotted 45 overs. This allowed Swans' to post a competitive total of 217-5. In reply, the hosts' were soon in trouble due to a devastating spell of hostile bowling by the in-form RICKY KING - he removed the hosts' top three superstars' to leave them reeling at 28-3.The pressure on the hosts' was maintained by BEN BACZALA and BOOTH who both claimed a brace of wickets and despite the hosts' lower-order rallying, KING returned to claim his fourth wicket as BLANDFORD were finally dismissed for 171.

Also, on Sunday the 2ndXI recorded a comprehensive six wicket win against SHILLINGSTONE at Days Park in Division 5 to remain on the fringes of promotion. The visitors' batted first and were soon in deep-trouble due to fantastic bowling by BINOY DEVASIA and STEVE CARPENTER who both took 4 wickets to help shoot-out SHILLINGSTONE for a meagre 83. Swans' had few alarms in reply with PETE DYER starring with a rapid 42, he was ably supported by JORDAN BISHOP who made 21 as Swans' cruised to their target.

Saturday 19th June

The Saturday and Sunday 1st XI both pulled off hard fought wins in their respective matches against Wimborne and Bournemouth this weekend. On Saturday a solid 58 from Mike Nash and a more frantic knock of 52* from Tom Wake-Walker helped the Swans overcome two narrow LBW decisions and recover from 90-6 to a more healthy 164-8. However, this still required some defending and after a tight opening spell from Francis Kerins and Ricky King the hosts were struggling on 36-2 from 16 overs. Mike Wells then stepped in and supported by a fantastic fielding performance grabbed a 5 wickets haul to leave Wimborne starring at defeat. Ricky King (3 wickets), Ian Booth (1) and Ben Baczala (1) were the other wicket takers as the Swans dismissed the hosts for 146 to celebrate their first Saturday win of the season.

Sunday 20th June

Another hard fought game took place at Days Park on Sunday as a man of the match performance from Ian Booth helped the Swans squeeze out a 4 wicket victory against table topping Bournemouth. Once again it was Ricky King that set the Swans on course grabbing 3 wickets in his opening spell. It was however Ian Booth who took a brilliant 5 wicket haul to ensure the powerful Bournemouth batting line up never got going and ultimately end up all out for 172. This, however, was only half the battle as the Bournemouth bowlers then roared in in the search of quick wickets. Francis Kerins and Ian Booth played with great concentration to hold firm in the hostile environment and gradually both blossomed with their stroke play. Booth was particuarly vicious on anything short and Kerins (25) played sensibly in the 'V'. However, as the hosts passed 100-1 an enevitably flurry of wicket fell (including Ian Booth for a sublime 79) and the game then ebbed and flowed as runs were scored and wickets fell. Once again though Tom Wake-Walker played with commonsense in placing the ball in the gaps and running hard. But, with the runs per over equation creeping up and overs running out it was two fabulous slog sweeps from outside the offstump for 6 from Lewis Kirby that ultimately saw the Swans home in the 44th over.

The sunday 2nd XI did not have a match.

Saturday 26 June

The Swanage Saturday 1st XI suffered a 5 wicket defeat at Days Park as visitors Dorchester chased down the Swans' score of 192 all out. The fact that they did not have a higher total to chase was a surprise as a fine opening partnership saw the Swans take drinks at 71-1 after 15 overs (Higham 47). However, the middle order struggled to find some fluency against some tight bowling and wickets were lost at key stages to stem the flow of runs. The Dorchester innings also followed a simliar pattern as they started quickly and then laboured against a fine spell of bowling from Ben Baczala (1-38 from 12 overs) and the returning Paul Higham and Ricky King. However, just as Swans thought they might snatch a win by defending the target the visitors struck a few lusty blows to creep home in the 44th over.

The Sunday 1st XI and 2nd XI did not have a match due to Studland scratching from League 1 earlier in the season and Lychett Matravers scratching their fixture. Swanage 2nd XI therefore picked up a full haul of 20 points.

Saturday 3rd July

This weekend saw the Saturday XI victorious against visitors Bere Regis as Ian Booth's masterful 93 provided the backbone of an impressive 232-7 total. Francis Kerins (43), Mike Nash (37) and a rapid 19 not out from Boom Boom Baczala also featured as the Swans rattled up 50 in the final frantic 7 overs. Ian also grabbed 3 vital wickets as the visitors ended their innings on 211 for 9.

Sunday 4th July

The Sunday XI also pulled of an impressive away win at Ferndown and Wayfayers as they restricted the home side to 189-9 (Pete Barker 2-30 and Baczala 3-23) and then recovered from 3-3 with a sparkling 135 run partnership between that man Boom Boom (76) and the classy Ian Booth (56). Equally important though were valuable knocks of 17 and 19 from Ricky King and Tom Wake Walker as the Swans won with 3 wickets and 4 balls to spare.

Unfortunately the Sunday 2nds could not make it a hat trick of wins as a dismal batting performance ensured a comprehensive 130 run defeat to visitors Cheselbourne. This was dispite a wonderful spell of bowling from Steve Carpenter who bowled his 12 overs for a paltry 17 runs!! Cheslebourne however rode their luck in the last 15 overs and finished up on 205-6 from their 45 overs. Mike Wells took 4 wickets aided by Paul Norman who took 3 good catches behind the stumps. Although Pete Dyer started the Swans reply brightly with 3 well struck boundaries this was as good as it got as the home side were dismissed for 72.

Saturday 10th July

A fantasic result for the Swans saw a 10 man side beat Christchurch by 15 runs at Hurn. Batting first the Swans made 200-8 from their 45 overs with Nash (25) and Kerins (36) making a solid start which was built upon by Ian Booth (37) and BoomboomBaczala (37) and another scampering 20 from Tom Wake-Walker. The powerful Christchurch batting order then started positively as the Swans missed the extra fielder and saw several half chances fall safe. However, skipper Booth rallied the team well and was rewarded with a fine spell of bowling from Baczala (4-30) and with Paul Higham (2-44) and wickets apiece from Kerins, Barker and Wells the middle/lower order stumbled to 186 -9. It was however fitting that Booth then ran out their last man with a direct hit from the covers; a just reward for some inspired captaincy under pressure.

Sunday 11th July

On Sunday Ron Barkers Sunday 1st XI recovered from 37-2 to total 246-7 to pull off a comfortable 100 run home win against visitors Kingston Lacy. Matt Thomas topped scored with 73 and he was ably supported by Ben Baczala (70) and Paul Higham (46). The Lacy reply was built around one player who struck the ball well in scoring 82 but ultimately the Swans ran out easy winners with Baczala (4-36) and Ian Booth (3-16) leading the way with the ball.

And finally Terry White’s Sunday 2nd XI enjoyed a 88 run victory after finding themselves on 56-6 after being inserted by Pokesdown Willows. But, Adam King (25), plus youngsters Jake Tower (42) and Mike Haines (23) led the recovery which was capped by a fine last wicket partnership of 37 between Roger Wilcox (37) and Terry White (13) as the Swans ended on 167 all out. Terry White then bowled unchanged and picked up 5-19 from his 12 overs and with Roger Wilcox (2-34) also in the wickets Pokesdown Willows were dismissed for 79 – in truth it should have been for much less as the Swans dropped some 6 catches of varying degrees of difficulty in the field!

Saturday 17th July

The highlight of this weekend was undoubtably the fantastic batting from Ian Booth and Paul Higham as they featured in century partnerships in both Sunday and Saturday matches. On Saturday they came together at 34-2 and put on a massive 160 partnership to take the Swans to 230-4 in their match at Witchampton. Put simply both oozed class and punished anything remotely offline, striking numerous 6's on the way until Booth (101) fell to a fine catch in the deep. Higham (83*) continued and struck a couple of sixes in the last over before he and Ricky King bowled a tight opening spell of 8 overs for 9 runs and 6 overs for 10 runs respectively. The Witchampton batting never recovered from this start and with Ian Booth (3-38) and Ali Booth (2-34) taking wickets at key times the home side had to settle on 201-6 to leave the Swans victors by 29 runs.

Sunday 18th July

On Sunday the 1sts suffered a 5 wicket defeat as visitors Henstridge eventually overhauled the Swans score of 187-3 in the 41st over. Once again Ian Booth (91*) and Paul Higham (60) dominated the Swans batting in a partnership of 143 though the Henstridge bowlers maintained a very tight line to ensure runs were never easy. Henstridge then lost a quick wicket in reply but rebuilt around a solid match winning partnership of 140 before a returning Ricky King (3-30) and Higham (2-43) grabbed 4 quick wickets in the last few overs to give the visitors something to think about on their way to victory.

The Sunday 2nd XI also suffered a narrow defeat as a fantastic spell from Devasia Benoy (6-27) almost toppled table toppers Stalbridge as they tripped and stumbled to 109-8 when chasing a below par Swans total of 108 all out. This small total was inevitably disappointing after Pete Dyer (20) and Chris Carpenter (15) put on 46 for the opening wicket. However, even then victory may have been guaranteed had natural justiced prevailed and the home side's star premiership batsman been dismissed LBW earlier in the day.

Saturday 24th July

This weekend saw the return of the much missed Craig Wells to help the Saturday XI continue their excellent run of form and secure their 5th win in 6 matches at home to Blandford. It was close though as although the bowlers had done the hard work in restricting the visitors to 187 (Ricky King and Ben Baczala taking 3 wickets apiece) it took a match winning 25 n.o. from Pete Barker at Number 7 to get the Swans across the winning line with only 2 balls left!!

Sunday 25th July

Unfortunately it was a different story for the Sunday 1sts XI when they visited Parley but although they lost by 3 wickets in the penultimate over the Swans made their hosts battle all the way when chasing a below par score of 174 all out. Batting first the Swans lost wickets early and it took a steady partnership of 95 between Ian Booth (55) and Ben Baczala (24) to take the score to 125-3 before both fell in quick succession. Although Tom Wake -Walker (14) and Lewis Kirby (12) then made contributions in truth too many batsmen got themselves out to a tight but by no means penatrative attack. The Parley reply also started badly in the face of hostile bowling from Ricky King (1-34) and Paul Higham (2-34) and some steady overs from Ian Booth (2-28) ensured the pressure was kept on the hosts as wickets fell at regular intervals. However, despite a stunning diving catch by Booth that Gordon Banks would have been proud of, some sensible batting from the 7th wicket pair resulted in a partnership of 40 runs which eventually saw Parley home.

Elsewhere on Sunday the Sunday 2nd XI game featured a fine knock of 30 from Dan Salmon to help the Swans edge to 161 all out against league neighbours Winton at Days Park. Although promising to be a difficult total to defend Terry White and the sizzling Devasia Benoy grabbed 4 wickets apiece to ensure a comfortable victory.

Saturday 31 July/Sunday 1st August

On Saturday Swans' travelled to league leaders' HAMWORTHY in their latest Division 2 clash. Swans' got off to a solid start through MIKE NASH and IAN BOOTH, before NASH was the first of 5 controversal dismissals. BOOTH was joined by MIKE SALMON together they took the score towards 100. However, both fell in quick succession, BOOTH made yet another half-century when he was unluckily adjudged leg before wicket. This led to a middle-order collapse and it was left to PAUL NORMAN to strike some big hits to allow Swans' to post a below-par score of 153. Swans' opening bowlers' PAUL HIGHAM and RICKY KING blasted out the hosts' top order to leave them reeling at 28-4. Unfortunately, for Swans' the hosts' ex-County star could not be removed. KING returned to take another wicket to finish with 3 but the hosts' superstar batsman remained undefeated on 81 to complete a 5 wicket victory for HAMWORTHY.

On Sunday, the 1stXI had a convincing win against CRANBORNE at Days Park in their latest Division 1 encounter. The visitors' were soon in trouble due to an excellent spell of hostile seam-bowling by the in-form KING - he took 3 quick wickets. The visitors' never recovered from this set back and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals - BOOTH also claimed 3 as CRANBORNE were shot-out for just 103. CHARLIE WYCHERLEY and MATT THOMAS' response was emphatic - knocking off the runs in just 12 overs. WYCHERLEY smashed a half-century and THOMAS made 37 to record a convincing 10 wicket win for Swanage.

The Sunday 2nd XI suffered a 70 run defeat away at Parley after the home side mustered 202 all out with Devasia Benoy and Tim Edgar excelling with the ball in taking 4 wickets each. Unfortunately the Swans reply started badly and they did well to recover from 19-3 to 132 all out. Debutant youth player Jim Warner scored 16 and batted as well as anyone in his first senior innings for the club but Tim Edgar topped scored with 30 with Devasia Benoy close behind on 22 not out This defeat put a dent in the Swans promotions hopes but to put it into context it was noticeable that it was mainly due to the hands of the young Parley premiership player who scored 105 at the top of their order and took 2 quick wickets in the Swans reply.

8th August

On Saturday, Swans' played hosts' to COMPTON HOUSE in their latest Division 2 encounter. Swans' batted first and got off to a flying-start with a half-century opening partnership between MIKE NASH and FRANCIS KERINS. NASH made a sparkling 44 before KERINS was joined by PAUL HIGHAM together they put on 75 for the second wicket. HIGHAM was dismissed for a fluent 42 and KERINS fell soon after for an enterprising innings of 65. The momentum of the innings was kept-up by another half-century stand between TOM WAKE-WALKER and stand-in Captain RICKY KING. WAKE-WALKER struck a dazzling 41 and KING smashed a quick-fire 40 to enable Swans' to post a formidable total of 272-8. Due to the inclement weather the visitors' target was revised to 189 off 25 overs. However, they were soon in deep trouble against some exceptional bowling by HIGHAM and KING who both claimed a brace of wickets to reduce the visitors' to 44-4, the visitors' never recovered from this and were finally dismissed for a paltry 115.

Sunday 9th August

On Sunday the 1stXI travelled to ST. GEORGES in their latest Division 1 clash. Swans' batted first and got off to a solid start through IAN BOOTH and CHARLIE WYCHERLEY. WYCHERLEY made 25, BOOTH was joined by BEN BACZALA together they added a match-winning partnership of 80 in very testing conditions. BACZALA struck a flamboyant 30 meanwhile BOOTH went on to make a serene 71 - his twelth score of more than 50 this summer to allow Swans' to post a competitive score of 173-8. The hosts' reply started brightly as they reached 65-0 at a good run-rate, however, the game changed dramatically with the introduction of DEVASIA BINOY and BACZALA. Together they ripped the hosts' top-order out with some sensational swing-bowling to claim 3 wickets apiece, ST. GEORGES never recovered from this and were dismissed for 142. This was Swans' sixth win of the season to maintain their mid-table status in Dorsets' Premier Sunday Division.

The Sunday 2nd XI did not have match.

15th August

This weekend saw the Sunday 2nds in action at promotion rivals Shillingstone but despite a fantastic 100 from Mike Salmon the team could not overtake the home sides 253 and ended their innings on 225 all out. The artificial wicket and a short boundary made it difficult for the bowlers to stem the tide of runs but Mike Wells picked up 3 wickets in the middle - lower order. Adam King and a cameo from Pete Dyer were the other highlights of the batting performance but nobody could match Mike Salmon's knock for application and skill, showing a full array of cuts and drives and even managing a couple of reverse sweeps for 4 which threatened to win the game for the Swans. Sadly however it was not to be as wickets began to tumble at the other end in an effort to keep up with the increasing run rate.

Other scheduled matches this weekend were called off due to teams scratching or the weather.

28th and 29th August

The Swans ended their league campaigns with two comfortable wins as the Saturday side beat Dorchester 2nds by 9 wickets and the Sunday 2nds beat Lychett Matravers by 10 wickets. Star performance came from Francis Kerins who struck a wonderful 57 not out at Dorchester as the Swans overcame the home side's 111 all out (Ron Barker 3-12, G Bradfield 3-20). Ian Booth ended his fantastic season with 43 not out. On Sunday the 2nd XI completed a resounding win against Lychett Matravers after Steve Carpenter's 4-17 ensured they were bowled out for 43. Mike Salmon (35 not out) then made light of the target as the runs were knocked off without fuss in just over 4 overs.