The Scorchers opened their 2026 account with a confident 6 wicket win over Aldershot at Ripsley. Captain Callum won the toss and elected to bowl. Disciplined bowling from the whole team, supported by some incredible fielding, meant that Aldershot were slow out of the gate, and bar one excellent retiring performance from their captain, they were short of runs from their 20 overs. Fantastic bowling from Callum with 3 wickets and a hat-trick opportunity. New signing Evan Bowen-Perkins was outstanding in the field taking the only catch from our other signing Nate Pugh, as well as throwing down the stump three times and effecting a run out, and to finish it off taking a wicket from his own bowling. Strong and consistent bowling from Freddie and Florrie in the tough middle overs kept the momentum in Liphooks favour.

The batting innings did not disappoint, and the request for focused and disciplined batting was met by the team. Louis and Elliot added 11 before Louis was trapped lbw in-front of leg and middle. From there Elliot took control of the innings showing superior strength with anything down the leg side, giving fine leg round to deep square plenty of work. Evan supported seeing off the faster attack adding 3 off his 15. Elliot raced to his retirement of 35 in just 36 balls, including 5 boundaries in a fantastic opening performance. Callum (14) came in to finish off the innings, and was supported by Magnus (1) to the final runs.

A stellar performance all round and a fantastic way to start 2026.