|
'Graveney achieve 5th win in a row but only just!'
By Jay
Vibert
Graveney 205 - 6
Old Dorkinians 203 - 7
(40 overs
game)
Graveney Win by 2 runs !
After initial disappointment at some Graveney players
unable to play at short notice, Graveney lost the toss and were put into
bat on an overcast day which at least promised some sunshine as much as
English summer rain.
With still no Howard or Nick , Messrs Fanning and
Gray opened the batting keeping the score ticking along nicely with
fifty posted without loss by the 10th over. Howard eventually
turned up with Nick but not without trying to (albeit accidentally?!)
take his hand off in the car window but back to the cricket….
Barry was eventually caught for 22, with Jeffels
trapped LBW for 19. But the Graveney captain Fanning had now scored his
debut century, bowled by Davis for 102. There then followed some able
support from Goodburn (caught on 19) but sadly a middle order and tail
which wouldn't wag on this occasion, the innings finishing on 205.
With a decent score to defend Graveney took the field
and the opening bowlers gave the Old Dorkinian batsmen a lot to contend
with Vibert bowling 8-2-16-3 making good use of the wicket (and bowling
2 horrific beamers in the process – apologies to the Old Dorkinian
batsmen) and Jeffels ending with 8-1-35-0 having beaten the bat several
times and unlucky not to have picked up wickets.
Having been contained in the opening spells, the
Dorkinians decided to get after Skidmore's opening over but the
experienced Graveney bowler soon regained his length and line to
pressurise the batsmen when it mattered (8-0-38-0). With Eveleigh
struggling to use the slope of the wicket effectively (4-0-33-0) the
stage was set for Goodburn to spin for victory.
The Dorkinians had other ideas with Lower (107 no)
and Gange (51) both playing expansive shots and Goodburn ending his
spell with a well deserved wicket having kept his nerve to end with
4-0-42-1.
A Graveney hero was required and Barry Gray was given
the ball for the last over with Dorkinians requiring 3 to win. Barry
then proceeded to bowl an impossible, unplayable double-wicket maiden to
secure victory for Graveney and end with 8-1-38-3.
Man of the match:
Paul
Fanning for his maiden century.
Champagne moment:
Barry
Gray.
Barry's double wicket maiden last over with Old Dorkinians requiring 3
to win securing a 2 run victory !
Moment of Disgrace:
Howard
Hamilton....
being hours late to pick up Nick and then promptly
shutting his fingers in the car window!
 |
