Johnston 89-10 lost to Hook 90-1

JOHNSTON were left wishing the rain had fallen a little heavier following a right good hiding from section leaders Hook.

Johnston would have picked up five points for the cancelled fixture but ended up taking just two as Hook made themselves firm favourites for the division two title.

Having taken to the crease first, the home side found themselves a wicket down from the very first ball of the game.

John Summons was the recipient of the diamond duck, caught behind off the bowling of Wayne Griffiths.

Chris Fitzpatrick and Gary Stephens repaired the damage by taking the score into the thirties.

Fitzpatrick reached 18 and Stephens 22 before the collapse really kicked in.

Andrew Thomas and Ross Martin claimed three wickets apiece as every Johnston batsmen struggled to make an impact.

It said a lot that extras proved to be the joint top scorer as the home innings ended on just 89.

The second innings began with Hook losing star batsman Jamie Phelps lbw to Gary James with the score on one.

But that proved to be the only blip as Martin lashed eight fours in a swashbuckling 62 not out as Brennan Lay played the supporting role very sensibly.

Hook strolled past the winning post in just 20 overs and now find themselves 19 points ahead of nearest rivals Pembroke.

Johnston J Summons c J Thomas b W Griffiths 0 C Fitzpatrick b W Griffiths 18 G Stephens b R Martin 22 S James c M Rowlands b A Thomas 1 R Lawrence run out 1 C Walters b A Thomas 0 C Goodridge not out 10 G James b A Thomas 6 L Summons b R Martin 1 R James c B Lay b K James 8 S Jenkins c J Phelps b R Martin 0 Extras 22 Total 89 Bowling: W Griffiths 9-3-19-2; M Holder 4-0-15-0; A Thomas 9-3-19-3; R Martin 5.2-1-12-3; K James 1-0-4-1.

Hook B Lay not out 17 J Phelps lbw b G James 0 R Martin not out 62 Extras 11 Total (for 1 wicket) 90 Bowling: G James 5-1-24-1; R James 7-2-19-0; S Jenkins 5-1-20-0; C Fitzpatrick 2-0-16-0; G Stephens 0.3-0-1-0. Johnston's match day sponsor - Trade Frame Manufacturers Ltd, Narberth. Umpires: Terry Sandy and Keith Edwards.