Petersfield slipped to a 22-run defeat at St Cross Symondians’ third team in Hampshire Cricket League Division Two on Saturday.

Petersfield won the toss and chose to bowl in the hope that their strong batting line up could chase whatever St Cross set.

Petersfield kept it tight in the first half of the St Cross innings, with Nathan Barlow, Henry Shore and Lucas Latham all doing a good job.

However, the floodgates opened after the drinks break and the St Cross middle order put their foot down and found the boundary with ease.

The hosts scored at ten an over in the last ten overs and set an imposing total of 309 for four. Shore bowled brilliantly among the carnage, with figures of one for 29 off nine overs.

Petersfield’s chase got off to the worst possible start, losing Shore, Adam De Swardt and Ash Spencer in the first six overs.

James Walton and Jake Hastie were determined to consolidate for a few overs. Hastie was dismissed for 15, which meant a big partnership was needed between Latham and Walton.

Walton got a few boundaries away and the pair managed to score quickly. After a 149-run partnership Walton was finally dismissed for a superb 111. Latham was then bowled four balls later for 32.

Ben Smith (28) and Ned Kelly (27) needed to go at ten an over with 15 overs left. Both batters were removed trying to keep up with the rate as Petersfield finished on 287 for eight.