A CRICKET match held at New Milton CC to remember Cllr Dr Charles Baker ended in drama – as he would have loved.

The scientist, who had just been elected to New Milton Town Council, died on September 5 last year aged 48 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

He had previously been captain of Hordle Village CC and after that club folded he moved to New Milton.

His brothers Ed and Bill captained two sides including friends and players from Hordle, New Milton, the family, and Dekra, the Southampton company Charles worked for.

Bill’s side opened and made 143 from 30 overs, with telling contributions from Bill, Sam Giles and Charles’ 14-year-old daughter Alice.

Ranjith Reddy, Lennox Henry and Harry Beck did the damage with the ball.

(Image: Ed Baker)

In front of a large crowd including Charles’ wife Aileen and mother Judith, and following a superb tea, Ed’s team began their reply.

Reddy, Kris Locke, Henry and Greg Steed got the side off to a solid start, each contributing runs.

Mark Sterling, Lihan Laubscher and George Beck were all dangerous with the ball and as wickets fell Ed Baker came to the crease.

A partnership with his son Ben took the score close to the opposition’s and after Ben was run out, Bill’s wife Nikki came to the crease.

Six runs were required from the final over and sensationally it went to the last ball with four required. Ed managed to hit his brother Bill back over his head to secure victory.

Afterwards Ed said: “It was a fitting game in memory of Charles and it was extremely generous of New Milton CC to host us.

“My brother loved his cricket and always played it in a spirit of friendliness and laughter, which is how this game was played.

“It was great to see so many former teammates of my brother as well as friends and work colleagues who turned up and pulled on their whites.

“We were also able to collect money for Oakhaven Hospice where Charles spent his final days.

“There has been some suggestion that we make the game an annual one.”