Match Report v Banks CC (Floodlight game)

Under lights and in our full coloured clothing we were ready to go for our final game of the tour. Looking to end on a positive note we fielded a strong side as we tried to over turn our previous heavy defeat against the same opponents. In true style we did not disappoint. As a spectator it was one of the most exciting and nerve racking matches I have ever witnessed! On another typically flat pitch we opted to bowl first in search of early wickets. Once again we bowled with good discipline and it would not be long before we got our breakthrough as Freeman removed opener Estwick for only 3. Seal followed swiftly afterwards as he was deceived in flight by Kreibich and smartly stumped by Dias for 8.

With both spinners now in the attack it would not be long before leading wicket taker Howarth had his first victim as he like Kreibich deceived the batsmen in flight leaving Dias to do the rest. This wicket brought the talented Weekes to the wicket who went about trying to boos Banks total with some aggressive stroke play. Kreibich continued to bowl effectively, picking up another 2 wickets ensuring that we were always in a strong position. Unfortunately towards the end of the innings our discipline slipped and Weekes punished some lose bowling as Banks posted 132 for 5 from their 20 overs.

After a brief interval and team talk Prakash and O Young set off for the middle under the now fully bright lights. Having struggled to build partnerships all tour it was essential that we did so if we were to get anywhere near our target figure. Thankfully Prakash and Young would not disappoint as they put together an outstanding partnership which would set up a dramatic finish. Standing up to some real pace bowling both batsmen played calmly and intelligently as they picked up 3 or 4 singles each over with the odd boundary and extra keeping the total ticking along. Before we knew it the partnership had reached 50. The game was now well and truly on!

As Young and Prakash continued to keep the scoreboard ticking along our usually very vocal opponents and supporters grew quieter and quieter. As the score neared 100 Prakash lost his wicket with a rush of blood which saw him stumped for a fine innings of 32. Freddie Thomas joined Young at the crease and made his intentions clear as he smashed his first ball for 4. Sadly it was to be a brief stay as our old friend the run out came back to haunt us yet again! With the required run rate now pushing 7.5 an over the pressure was on. Young continued to score freely but partners continued to come and go as both Haigh and Joe Young failed to add significantly to the score. Young moved past a superb 50 with a single and followed it up with a beautiful 4 before knicking one behind to the keeper.

With 2 overs to go we required 18 runs for victory with 5 wickets in hand. We continued to pick up one's and two's setting up a dramatic last over which saw us requiring 8 for victory. Max Stephens was now at the crease and ensured that we were scoring off every ball in any form possible. With 2 balls remaining we needed 5 for victory. As Stephens went for the big shot he got a top edge that looped in to the air signaling the potential end of our chances of victory. As the batters turned to come back for the 2nd run the bowler and fielder somehow managed to collide and spill the ball to the ground. In a moment of panic the fielder hurled the ball at the stumps in an attempt to run out the batter. With no one backing up the ball missed the stumps and raced away to the boundary for 4 over throws, which combined with the 2 runs completed meant that we had scored 6 off that ball and unbelievably won the game in the most bizarre fashion with 1 ball to spare. Victory was greeted by deadly silence from our opponents and a mass pitch invasion from the boys, a truly unbelievable end to a game and a amazing way to end our cricket on the tour. Young and Praksh must take huge credit for their mature innings but this was very much a team performance from 1 to 11 and highlighted the potential of these boys if they put their minds to it.

The victory meant that from our 5 games we had won 3 and lost 2, a pretty good effort from a team who has struggled to score runs. Special mentions also must go to Harry Howarth and Rob Kreibich who have bowled beautifully throughout the tour ensuring that we were always in the game, even with small totals!

AGB