The 1st XI finally took to the field for the first time in three weeks after a bye and a rained-off game. Could this disrupt the unbeaten run? It started well by winning the toss and choosing to bat first on what was expected to be a very good pitch…
Strong Start: Opening Partnership Sets the Tone
Woody and Paddy got started looking in control, keeping out the good balls and putting away anything loose—the highlight being Woody’s six over long on that landed just short of the passing train. Once the fielders returned from fetching the ball, the fine opening partnership of 55 was ended by the first-change bowler. Woody and Paddy both went bowled in quick succession; this seemed an important breakthrough to take both batsmen who looked well set on a tricky pitch.
Middle Order Resilience: Josh and Nigel Rebuild
This double strike brought two new batsmen to the crease, Nigel and Josh. They began rebuilding on a pitch that was now misbehaving more regularly, particularly for Hungerford’s spinner, who was making the same length ball pass the batsmen at chest height one ball, and by their ankles the next. Josh and Nigel battled, however, and their patience was rewarded with the second fifty partnership of the innings.
A Powerful Finish: Josh and Will Propel the Score
As focus began turning to what would be a decent target, Nigel was unlucky with the spinner shooting one through low, trapping him lbw—a top knock from the man with a bald head. This brought Will Cheyney to the crease at number 5 with 13 overs remaining and the platform well set. Will ably supported Josh, who had now made his way to yet another classy half-century—his fourth in the league this season.
The pair made the most of the platform they had, and propelled the score up to maximum points, finishing 226-3 with an unbroken partnership of 94 runs. Josh finished as the top scorer with 75 not out, and Will provided excellent support with 37 not out, including two almighty blows for six—fitting that the two top run scorers this season finished the final innings in style.
Defending the Target: Early Breakthroughs
Taking to the field to defend 226, Stefan and Mike got us underway looking for early wickets. The Mikes paired up for the first—Bryant delivering a ball that was clipped to Tiley at mid-wicket. Hungerford rebuilt and lost just the one wicket to the opening pair but could not keep out Harry as he bowled their number 3 batsman.
Key Wickets: Oakley’s Bowlers Turn the Tide
Following a similar pattern to the Oakley innings, Hungerford then had a fifty partnership of their own, with two batsmen looking comfortable on a pitch that did not seem to be as lively as the first innings. The partnership was broken the over before drinks by DJ, trapping the batsman lbw. This brought someone to the crease who was eager to get the game moving, launching consecutive deliveries from the dangerous-looking Rogan for four and then six. This onslaught would prove to be short and sweet as Rogan replied with an excellent delivery with pace and bounce, nicking off the batsman the very next ball with another dismissal for Paddy behind the stumps.
Holding Nerve: Final Push for Victory
Hungerford’s innings would then ebb and flow, a few quiet overs followed by an over that would have a couple of boundaries, keeping them ahead of the rate but losing wickets regularly. The key wicket was taken by Stefan, who in his first over back bowled the well-set opening batsman. This was the big wicket, and it was now down to Oakley to turn the screw and finish the season with a sixth consecutive victory.
Season’s End: Securing Second Place with a Sixth Consecutive Win
The last batsman that looked like taking the game to Oakley was removed by Will with a smart catch at point from Rogan. Fittingly, the final wicket was caught by Paddy, who has been top class all season, off Will’s bowling. The game was won by 20 runs with wickets for all bowlers—DJ 3, Stefan & Will 2, Mike, Harry & Rogan 1.
The season finished with yet another maximum points win to secure second place—our highest finish in C3N. Well done to all players, and roll on next season where we can look to go one better.