For the 3rd week running, Sway's batting whilst so strong on paper, proved fragile as the team sunk their second defeat of the season after just three games. The batting performance was all the more disappointing as their exertions in the field were superb - probably the best ever by a Sway side.

Skipper Jon Grasham finally won a toss and put BAE into bat on what looked like a decent wicket. Sway's opening bowling attack started with a very tight line and they struck in just the 3rd over when Grasham bowled P Woodward for a duck. BAE then slowly moved the score on to 24 and were then caught trying to up the run rate by a stunning run out. The ball was played hard, deep into the covers and BAE attempted what appeared to be a relatively simple single - but they had reckoned without Jack Walton lurking deep. Walton ran around, picked up the ball one handed on the move and sent in a bullet of a throw that hit the only stump visible. Moments later BAE were in deep trouble when flashing cut was caught directly in front on his face by Dave Marshall at gully - preventing what would have otherwise been a decapitation.

BAE recovered their poise and with their skipper at the crease moved the score on to 68 when Charlie Smith claimed a wicket, leg before. Smith then struck again shortly afterwards when Alex Hall took a catch at slip. BAE then moved on to 93-5 before losing three quick wickets and finding themselves really struggling. Firstly Terry Patch claimed the key wicket of BAE skipper M Eeley who was well caught by Steve How in the outfield. Then Grasham and Walton took a wicket a-piece both bowled. BAE then put on what proved to be a crucial 27 runs for the 9th wicket before Charlie Smith claimed another wicket; and BAE were all out for 121 when Steve How took another catch in the deep of the bowling of Steve Thistleton.

Sway then started what looked on paper to be the relatively simple task of knocking off the 122 runs required for victory. However, the bowling of extremely experienced Stuart Owen (who had destroyed Sway back on a similarly sunny day in 2006) along with the ultra tight lines of A Jennings should not have been underestimated. As in previous weeks Sway got off to a very poor start with Steve How clean bowled for just 4. Things got even worse when just a few balls later Jon Grasham was rather unusually bowled round his legs for a duck. With the score on just 28 Sway lost 2 further wickets when Adam Clark was out leg before and Alex Hall was caught behind - Sway were now in deep trouble at 28-5. Things did not improve when with just 4 further runs added Jack Walton became the keepers second victim of the day. The only bright point for Sway was Joe Rodway who put on a powerful and chanceless batting display with his bronzed and muscular physique, resplendent in the early evening sunshine - like Hector stood alone before the gates of Troy bravely awaiting Achilles' fatal spear. It was not to last, and there was soon another flurry of wickets - Terry Patch was bowled for 1, then Steve Thistleton was bowled for a golden duck; and Joe Rodway's fine innings came to an end when he was bowled for 47. The wickets had fallen so quickly that Dave Marshall, whose faith in those above him was misplaced, was still on a toilet break as the timbers clattered. At 89-9 Sway's chances rested primarily on Marshall and Charlie Smith and for a while the victory seemed still possible with just over 3 an over required. The 10 over spell of Owen was seen off, with Smith in particular batting very resolutely. The bowling remained very tight with no easy runs and when Marshall was finally bowled the game was drifting away with Sway eventually all out for a hugely disappointing 101. Full credit to BAE for a superb bowling performance with ultra slim pickings on the buffet table, however, Sway really should be able to score 122 in 42 overs batting 2nd.

Looking around the results there is some hope for Sway if they can get their batting sorted out. Next weeks opponents New Milton went down hard to Ellingham who Sway beat the previous week - so there will be no better time for Sway to record a first ever league victory over a New Milton side. Only 3 teams remain with 100% records - Burley (who were expected to be front runners), Swan Green (who Sway should not have lost to) and BAE (who we also should have beaten given the low target).