LEE Beck crafted his maiden SPL century as New Milton sent shock waves through Division Two by trouncing much-fancied Hook & Newnham Basics.
Beck’s heroics led New Milton to an impressive 129-run victory against the title favourites on their own track – and was also something of a family affair.
He shared a vital fourth-wicket stand of 60 with teenage brother Nick Elliott and then put on 48 with sibling Ryan Beck as New Milton posted 201 for nine.
Lee Beck (100), the elder statesmen of the clan at 31, hit nine fours and two sixes, while Elliott (28) and Ryan Beck (26) were the only other Milton batsmen to contribute.
Elliott (2-2), Nick Gargaro (4-15) and Dan Loader (2-13) then stunned Hook & Newnham Basics – runners-up for the past two seasons – by routing them for just 72.
New Milton’s victory came just a week after they had suffered a heavy nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Hambledon in their seasonal opener.
Jubilant captain Ryan Beck said: “We went there as massive underdogs and showed typical New Milton spirit and determination to come out on top.
“Lee’s innings was superb and he showed maturity and responsibility. He timed the ball well and it was a really good hundred. We probably didn’t expect anyone to get a ton this season and Lee did it in our second game.
“His partnership with Nick probably won us the game. Once they had taken a couple of early wickets, they must have thought they were going to roll us over, especially after we had been bowled out for 64 against Hambledon.
“But their heads went down and the partnership helped get us past 100. Myself and Lee then took it to 190 and we never thought we would get anywhere near 200 against the favourites. It was a top effort.
“Nick Gargaro was virtually unplayable and all the bowlers played their part. Nick Elliott is the type of talent we are trying to bring through and has the potential to be a very good cricketer. One day, he could even be as good as his brothers!”
• Captain Richard Morris’s efforts proved in vain as Bashley were condemned to a 22-run defeat by South Wilts in Division One.
Tidy spells from Ross Grierson (2-20), Andy Neal (2-45) and Simon Ridley (2-53) helped limit South Wilts to a modest 203 for eight.
However, after Bashley had laboured to 58 without loss from the first 22 overs, Morris was tasked with upping the run-rate when he came to the crease.
And although Morris (59) set about retrieving the situation, their hopes ended after he had been caught behind off the bowling of Aussie Glenn Maxwell – with Bash losing their last seven wickets for just 24 runs.
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