‘It’s nice to get back into the habit of scoring runs’ – Havant stalwart Jeremy Bulled hits maiden Fareham & Crofton century, a week after being dismissed for 99

The vastly-experienced Bulled is enjoying batting much higher in the order after leaving Havant to drop down four divisions to the top tier of the Hampshire League.

Previously used in the middle to late order at Havant, Bulled has been Fareham’s regular No 3 in County League Division 1 action.

He was quickly in the action against Alton 2nds at Jubilee Playing Fields after opener Tom Kent (3) had been dismissed.

Bulled subsequently put on 139 for the third wicket with Ollie Southon (53) - another player with a SPL top flight pedigree, having played for Burridge - before he was eventually fifth out, having scored exactly 100 in total of 196.

The veteran wicket-keeper/batter now has 331 runs to his name in just four league innings, having previously hit 83 (v Bournemouth 2nds), 49 not out (v St Cross 3rds) and 99 (v Bramshaw).

‘I didn’t know I was on 99 (against Bramshaw,’ Bulled told The News. ‘It wouldn’t have altered the shot I made - I was trying to get a single and edged a ball onto my stumps.

‘(Against Alton) I knew I was on 99 this time, the scoreboard had a bit more information.’

Bulled’s current 429-run haul is already the highest of his league career, most of which has been spent in the top tier of the Southern Premier League with Havant.

His career best innings, though, remains the 114 he scored for Havant against St Cross six years ago.

Told about setting a new seasonal best run tally, Bulled said: ‘I’m not surprised. It’s just very nice to be batting a bit more often.

‘It’s nice to get back into the habit of scoring runs.’