Sunday 2s vs Marble Hill
Author: Paul Hogarth
Match Report |
---|
It is rare in the long, rich history of cricket that outstanding, nerve jangling, tension filled matches that fire the imagination and go down to the wire occur. Matches where the assembled spectators, media, television and radio audiences have sat in wrapped attention as dramas unfold before their eyes (and ears!). We are talking edge of the seat, nails chewed down to the stub, oh my God I need the loo but dare not go in case I miss something, kind of matches: The closest of all games at Adelaide on 23rd January 1993 When W.I. beat Australia by 1 run, Or at Edgbaston on 4th August 2005 when England beat Australia by 2 runs, And who could forget Trent Bridge on 14th July 2013 (just after 2:30 p.m.) when England beat Australia buy 14 runs. AND possibly the most exciting and memorable game in cricket history, 14th July 2013 (just after 8:00 p.m.) when Putney Sunday 2nd XI strained every muscle and sinew and pushed their bodies through the pain and exhaustion of playing in 90 degree heat, displaying skill, courage and incredible team work to overcome an excellent Marble Hill CC side by 1 run, With Stephen ‘Willow’ Wilcox bowling the final over, Marble Hill required six runs from six balls with there number 7 and 9 at the crease. Tight bowling and sharp fielding limited Marble Hill’s batsman to just four runs from Willow’s over giving Putney a well deserved victory. Players from both teams shook hands and agreed that they had been part of one of the greatest games of all time and that the best team had won. Everyone then retired to the local hostelry where the Marble Hill captain graciously purchased ice-cold lager for the Putney players in recognition of their fantastic ability and sportsmanship! Putney Captain, Chris Powell stood to the assemble players and coaches and made a memorable speech, that brought a tear to many an eye. Chris thanked his players, his mum, his dad and God for giving him the strength to so effectively marshal the team. He went on to thank Marble Hill for their participation and sporting spirit. Chris finished with a warning that this was just the start and much hard work was needed if Putney were to go on greater things. WELL THAT’S WHAT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED! And if it were not for some ‘creative’ book keeping and umpiring in the last over, that is how the match report would have read. However, marginal wides, extra leg byes and mystery no balls were called by the Marble Hill umpire that would have made Marius Erasmus blush….even after a review and several replays! So what did happen? Well it was a beautiful sunny scorcher in Twickers when Putney arrived at the picturesque Marble Hill ground. A quick pitch inspection revealed a green top that was likely to bounce a bit. Unperturbed by the pitch (which was not a patch on the Putney home pitch….or so we have heard in the 2nd XI!!!), Chris won the toss a sensibly chose to bat as the mercury pushed passed 90 (30 for those of us that work in Celsius - Ed). A mini collapse by Farasat (4) and Abdullah (6), brought Tom Savage (24) and Mubarak (27) to the crease to steady the Putney ship. When Tom’s cavalier innings was over Jason Dixon (our token Aussie) made his way to the crease. Jas was heard to say ‘I’m gonna bat like an …stralian top order batsman…mate’. Jas was as good as his word and was soon back in the hutch for a duck! This brought Paul Hogarth (39) to the middle to nurdle it around with Mubarak still playing some expansive strokes. Putney’s score was starting to look respectable when Mubarak, Chris (0) and Brian (0) fell in quick succession. Brian, to possibly the second best catch ever (after Rich Wilson’s Bothamesque caught and bowled last time out). Paul soon followed trying to raise the rate. Barry hit a quick fire 10 before the final wicket partnership of Willow (11*) and Jimmy Toseland (18*) harvested some valuable runs and gave us something to bowl at. An excellent bowling and fielding display with all 5 catches on offer being pouched by the catlike Putney fielders put Marble Hill under intense pressure as the overs came and went. Once again Willow was the pick of the bowlers, turning in figures of 7-1-18-3 Mubarak and Jimmy provided great back up, both bagging a brace. It was clear from his display that Jimmy has found his spiritual home and should stopping messing around in the firsts! Willow’s last over was tense but, as stated with the assistance of the Marble Hill captain’s umpiring they somehow conspired to tie the match. The day was completed with a few cold ones. Bring on next Sunday’s opponents….. we are on a two game, non- losing streak!!! |
Date | Time | Team | Opposition | Location | Putney | Opposition | Result | Scores | Points | Toss |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14/07/2013 | 2pm | Sunday 2nd | Marble Hill | A | 168/9 | 168/10 | Tie | 0 |