'Bear century not quite enough for 10 man Graveney'

By John O'Driscoll

Blindley Heath 202 - 5 declared (from 44 overs)

Graveney 192 - 7 (from 39 overs)

Match Drawn

Graveney arrived at Blindley Heath with 10 players having been down to 9 earlier in the week. Simon Clayton, another postie took the no10 slot and used the club kit trousers--which fitted very well.

On a hot day Graveney lost the toss and took the field with Jay vibes and Barry `Scolari ` opening the bowling. Blindley Heath opener, Neal Burchett (who always gets good scores against Graveney) looked as solid as ever and steadily built his innings. Graveney`s 10 did well in the field but on a good batting track Blindley Heath were able to accelerate their scoring rate  to take their score to 202-5 wkts dec. off 44.1 overs.  Bev McGill 3-47 improved his chances of winning the bowling cup.  

Graveney took the few catches (McGill, Jago, Gray) that came their way with the best catch going to postie Simon taking a low running catch at deep mid-on. Neal Burchett once again hit another big total against the `green caps` finishing 100 n.o. (must fix up next years game when he is somewhere else!) Skipper Paul Fanning decided to open the Graveney innings with the two oldest team members-Gray and O`D-making the combined opening age of 120 +!! Both were back in the pavilion with less than 30 on the board.

Enter the Bear, in only the 3rd over, and showing confident form smacked the Blindley Heath bowling to all parts of the ground. Despite nearly being run-out twice Paul kept the `green caps` up with the scoring rate and while he was at the wicket with skipper Paul Fanning it looked Graveney might snatch a famous victory. Then the skippy was out for what he thought was a dubious lbw decision by the home umpire. A remarkable 6th wicket partnership of 35 between the Bear and Tim Bunn kept the game in the balance before the tres. Was run-out for 2 having faced 16 balls!! 

Bev McGill gained the champagne moment when going for a quick run after being bowled!! Jay Vibs (1 n.o.) shut up shop and the Bear finished on 115 n.o. which included 14 4`s and 1 six in his 2 hour and a quarter stay at the crease- great effort-extra honey for the Bear on tour.

Man of the match:  Paul Jeffels for a tremendous 115 not out.

Champagne moment:  Kevin McGill going for a quick single despite being bowled!