CAPTAIN Ryan Beck saw New Milton’s unbeaten start in Division One go up in smoke before singling out teenager George Watts for special praise.

Beck was left to rue “giving them too many runs in the field” as Sarisbury Athletic struck an early blow in the race for honours after registering a 26-run win at their Allotment Road headquarters.

Watts was New Milton’s only shining light with the ball as Sarisbury posted a challenging 246 for six thanks largely to Ricky Rawlins (73) and Matt Journeux (68).

The 16-year-old son of former skipper Steve Watts claimed the scalps of openers Rawlins and Archie Norris during his economical 10-over spell (3-28).

Watts, in his first full season in the first team, has taken six wickets in three games in Division One, his 30 overs going for just 80 runs at a respectable rate of 2.66.

Beck told the Daily Echo: “For me, the biggest plus this season has been George and he has bowled out of his skin in all three games.

“Any captain would love it if all his bowlers went for fewer than three runs an over and George’s figures have been a lesson for everybody.

“His action is effortless and he puts the ball in the right area almost every time. He makes it difficult for batsmen to score and puts pressure on people right from the start. He does everything he needs to and is a role model to other players even though he is only 16.

“I think he could go on to bigger and better things because he is one of the best I have seen at this level. He invariably puts the ball on the spot and moves it away. He has bowled against some good players and nothing seems to faze him. He is doing a great job and is ahead of his years.”

New Milton were always up against it with their reply after they had lost openers Nick Park and Mark House with just 12 on the board.

However, skipper Beck (68) and James Park (39) steadied the ship, their third-wicket partnership of 109 taking the visitors to 121 for three.

Although Lee Beck (38) and Dan Loader (26) shared 50 for the fifth wicket, New Milton slumped from 176 for four to 220 all out, losing their last six wickets for just 44.

“It needed either me or James to see it through,” added Beck. “It is tough trying to get six or seven an over for the last 15, especially for new batsmen.

“Sarisbury are a good team and will be up there. The season has gone okay for us but we will need to win our next three games if we are going to do anything.”