Askew hits a ton as Littlehampton tie

James Askew hit his second century in as many matches on Saturday

The new Littlehampton skipper finished unbeaten on 150 last week when his side recorded a winning draw against East Preston.

Askew then followed that up with an unbeaten 139 in his side’s tie with Ram on Saturday.

Despite his personal glories, Askew would still rather see a win on the board for his side.

He said: “Obviously to hit two centuries in my opening two games for Littlehampton is great.

“It’s the first time I have done that in league cricket back-to-back.

“It’s been a great start for me and I hope it can continue but, from a team perspective, we still have not registered a victory and that’s disappointing.

“At the moment, our bowling is letting us down and we will be working on that.

“As a batting unit, we back ourselves to chase down any target that is set but we need the support from the bowlers.

“I’m hopeful we will improve in the bowling department as the season goes on.

“Broadwater, who we play on Saturday, will be a tough test as they are unbeaten but we will look to win.”

Ram were put into bat and they began well. Rakesh Patel hit a fluent 41 from 48 balls at the top of the order.

He was well supported by Sagarh Parekh, who reached 28 to guide Ram to 74 for two.

Parekh and Dilip Chauhan (13) then fell in quick succession and Ram found themselves 119 for four.

However, any hopes Littlehampton had of bowling Ram out quickly were dashed by a fine fifth-wicket partnership.

Kartik Patel crashed 113 from just 80 balls, while Arup Ghose ended the innings 61 not out. They put on 156 to help their side post 279 for five in 47 overs.

Chris Heberlein was the stand-out bowler as he picked up three wickets for 56 runs.

In reply, Littlehampton began well as Askew and Nathan Perry (27) put on 60 for the first wicket.

Tom Lee then went in at number three and hit 56 from 77 balls to continue Littlehampton’s push for victory. Michael Askew struck 21 from 14 balls to try to edge his side closer to the finishing line and Littlehampton needed 23 from the final over.

James Askew gave it his best shot as he hit three fours and one six but it was not quite enough as the match ended in a tie.

Parekh and Chauhan were the only Ram bowlers to pick up a wicket on what proved to be a difficult day for the bowlers on both sides, as Littlehampton finished on 279 for three.

Littlehampton travel to Broadwater on Saturday.