Last ball thriller
Harberton, Devon, 6/25/2022
Strongroom won by 2 runs
Strongroom: 184-6
Erratics: 182-7
View the Scorecard
It was a lazy morning for the Strongroom before the game after a night of many giggles. Following a gentlemanly offer from the Erratics captain, Strongroom captain, Jon, opted to set us to bat. Jimmy and Dave Siddall opened the innings, followed by Henry at number three who started slowly and thoughtfully after two quick wickets by Rutherford and Grant. Ankit, who came in at four, was expansive from the off and hit his second ball for a long six over midwicket. It was a formidable partnership, the pair complementing each other well. Ankit hitting 10 fours and two sixes in his innings of 63. Henry was composed and patient at the other end. After Ankit was caught, Jerome cheaply skied a top edge to mid-wicket. Along came Ben to the crease for a quick 28 off 20 deliveries before a handy caught and bowled by L Grand, who had also taken the wicket of Dave S and two catches in the field. Henry finally fell to a catch by N Rutherfield for 53 runs. Six more runs were added by Seb and Jon before the 40 overs were up at 184 for 6. A special mention should be given to the tea which was beautifully made by Ian’s daughters; wonderful cakes and sandwiches, which were hugely appreciated by all. The conditions, contrary to most weather apps, were glorious, though as Strongroom went out to defend their score there was a bracing South Westerly sweeping across the Harberton ground. Although there were some weary faces after a long night in the pub, pavilion and tent, the fresh air soon put that to right as the formidable left-arm medium pace of Mario and the searing effort of Jon commenced the bowling attack against the Erratics openers. Jon struck in his second over with Seb taking a beautiful catch at mid-off. The Erratics left-handed opener F Chave was looking solid as a rock at the other end. Jerome replaced Jon after a successful three over at 1-6. Quite unexpectedly, Jerome was bowling with reasonable rhythm and accuracy not seen in many years, less surprisingly as was Seb when he came on having replaced Mario. Seb immediately took the wicket of Erratics number 3, Ben Yarse-Butler with a fine catch from our captain at mid-off. Ankit and Henry came on for a nice spell with two fine wickets by Ankit including a formidable caught and bowled. Henry took the key wicket of the opener, F Chave, who scored a terrific 58 off 58. Then came Sam on for a second spell after a single over from the other end, who windmilled the wicket of Vinay (who was kindly making up the Erratics numbers) by luring him into a big shot ending with a stumping. At the other end L Grant was having a great knock. Adrian had a successful two over spell at this time, going for a mere 7. Runs were being scored at pace now and the game, having been at 71 for 2 off 20 overs, was beginning to look precarious as the Erratics needed 18 off the last two overs to win. Ankit came on for the penultimate over and went for 8, leaving a total of 10 required with Henry coming back on to bravely save the match with an over of pace going for 7, and with 4 needed off the final ball. The Erratics ended at 182 for 7, in a highly entertaining and enjoyable match.
In this image below, we see the Strongroom team - albeit minus the author (Jerome), who was probably getting a beer from the fridge.
Written By: J.Armit
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