Chelsfield Park 221 for 3
Shoreham 221 for 4

MATCH TIED!

On the hottest day of the year so far, the now well established Sunday side took to the field in the hope that the winning trend could continue. Little did they know what would follow…I’ve been asked not to mention my own name more than five times, so here goes:

Put into bat on the basis of the home sides bowling, or rather lack of it (the side note here would be that Russell Brookes was the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 4-0-20-2). Once their batsmen had settled, it became difficult for the bowling attack to make any inroads, with the only other notable performances being Brad Sims (7-1-33-1) and George Rivett, who bowled tightly in his first spell, but has also put in a request not to have his figures revealed. A home debut to be noted also, as Oliver Haysler, who had figured for the Saturday 2nds a few weeks previously, filled in as part of PDS (Pat’s Development Squad) and cemented his place at fine leg.

This left Chelsfield making a declaration midway through a George Rivett over, which left Shoreham to mull over and reflect upon the innings with a 45 minute Kumar tea (Result!). Maybe this stirred the home side and the influential Captain, as the openers Raymundo and Alex Haysler to make a game of it.

The scoring started steadily, with boundaries coming from either end, before Ray (5) was deceived by the flight of Miles Walker, with the expected ‘I’ll never live this down’ ringing in everyone’s ears as Brad came to the crease. This led to a solid partnership, with some great shots, and a cheeky reverse sweep from Haysler causing Brad to wet himself with laughter. With the departure of Brad (21) The Edge came to the crease, and opened his shoulders, losing two balls and damaging the pavilion no end. This gave Pat the thoughts, nay the possibilities of going for the win. Whilst this was developing, a piece of history was made, with Alex reaching his first half century, eventually departing for 69. After Phil had been bowled for a rapid 76, Sam Trick and Bob Sims were left at the crease to attain the final runs needed for victory. With Sam blasting 2 sixes from the penultimate over, only 7 were needed from the final over. A four and then a single from Sam left Bob needing two off the last delivery. Baited breath, and…

They ran a leg bye, and the game was officially tied. After 80 overs, not a run could separate the two sides, which ended a brilliant game on a beautiful day. Captain Barrett’s side maintained the 100% unbeaten record, and Alex successfully jug dodged, to end an overall great day

N.B. 6.4-0-51-0 (sorry George)

Alex Haysler

Posted on Tuesday, 26th May, 2009 in Friendly Match Reports.