WHCC 190-2 (35 overs) beat Bayshill CC 185 all out (34.4 overs) by 5 runs

For the second successive season, these two sides were involved in a tense finish but unlike last year, it was the Elf who secured a narrow win in another game which went all the way to the final over.

A lack of venue, availability from both sides and a weather forecast that can best be described as patchy all threatened to stop this fixture going ahead but as it turned out, the weather (largely) held firm and the 20 players all contributed to an entertaining, close fought game.

Upon our arrival after the longest journey of the season, skipper Alex Nunns called incorrectly at the toss and the Elf were sent in, without star opener Dan Dunn and debutant Ryan Addis- the former demonstrating his all-round prowess by putting in a 90 minute shift for his Sunday league side (and being the only member of the squad to play the full 90).

So Nunns and Mac Perager went out to face the new ball, but were almost immediately brought off by a heavy shower, which caused a delay of about an hour and meant that some eyes and ears were fixed to the Wimbledon Mens final. Nunns was readying the brand new spikes for the damp square but with thoughts of a post match fine for new kit, opted against the change of footwear!

Upon the resumption, the Elf soon found themselves 1 down as Nunns was bowled by a full ball from Liley for 9 (21-1), but the run machine Dunn joined Perager in constructing an excellent 2^nd wicket partnership- first seeing off Liley and his opening partner Saunders

Although he did survive a chance or two, Dan batted well again, punishing anything loose on an outfield which was gradually speeding up, with the occasional effortless flick to the boundary. Mac played more of the anchor role (claiming to Jonty that he couldn’t match the ability of others to clear the ropes), with the occasional lusty blow including one enormous straight 6.

It was no surprise than in just 39 balls Dan got to 50- I don’t think he has made less than 20 all season and it must be his 6^th or 7^th 50+ score of the season, although much to his dismay, he had to retire, pondering afterwards on another shedload of runs missed out on

Rob Hewlitt joined Mac and quickly set about trying to up the run rate, with some aggressive strokeplay and running between the wickets. He caught up towards Mac’s score and just as we were pondering who would win the race to 50, Mac was bowled by the impressive Liley, back on towards the end of the innings, for a patient 45 (157-2).

Dave Clive came in for the final 4 overs and struck three 4’s in an ultimately priceless cameo of 18 from 12 balls, all the while Rob completed his 50 off 45 balls with the penultimate ball of the innings, before giving up strike to the last ball, much to the disappointment of Nath Reeves who had limbered up in case he needed to hit sixes off the last few balls.

We did, however, finish on 190-2 from our 35 overs. Credit must also go to Bayshill who fielded with 10 throughout- one of them being either Nath or Johnny Preece- and kept the score down well.

Once teas were demolished, the Elf set about trying to defend the total. In windy conditions which made both bowling ad fielding particularly tricky, opening bowlers Dave Stephens and Josh Butler created chances almost immediately but it wasn’t until the 4^th over that one stuck in the hands, as Butler had Pierce smartly caught by Addis at point for 6 (11-1). Both started off giving little away and Stephens was rewarded with the wicket of Horner leg before for 4 (17-2).

Pritchard and in particular, Weyman then looked to get the innings going and address the increasing required rate, playing more expansively, until Weyman sliced one to Dunn in the covers for a brisk 25 (44-3) to give Butler his 2^nd wicket.

Despite a couple of close calls, Guthrie and Pritchard saw off the rest of the opening spells and began to ebb away at the target as Johns Nicholls and Preece took over the bowling. Their partnership had reached 55 until just before drinks when Pritchard looped one from Nicholls straight into the safe hands of Nunns at mid-off for 44 (99-4). With only 4 more wickets to take and the rate required at over 7 per over, the Elf were in a good position and shortly after, Guthrie holed out for 22 to Nunns at long on off Preece to leave the score on 114-5.

Bayshill kept going after the bowling and were quickly bringing the target down with van Dyke and Liley targeting the short square boundaries. With 7 overs to go, Nunns turned to Nath and Dan to provide the crucial breakthrough, but with only 20 needed from 4 overs, the hosts looked favourites.

That was until Dan bowled Liley for 23, but van Dyke still looked set to get them over the line. With 14 needed from 14 balls, Nath pinned him lbw and the whole ground held its breath until the umpire eventually raised the finger.

In a thrilling finish, 10 were needed from the final over from Nath and although Thorpe got one away for a boundary, he was run out by Nath with 2 balls to go, leaving the Elf winners by 5 runs in the closest finish of the season so far.

A tremendous finish and a fixture both teams enjoyed. With the bar on site closing before the end of the game, it was a short trip to the wonderfully cozy Corner Cupboard pub for a post-match pint and the fines. It seems that next year the fixture may be played at a different ground due to an increased rent of Winchcombe’s picturesque ground and facilities but nonetheless, one that will be eagerly awaited for next year. Good luck to Bayshill for their remaining fixtures

As for the Elf, it is back to Rushall next Sunday (23^rd) for a fixture against Lichfield Nomads- if that game is anywhere near as good as this, it’ll be a belter

Thanks

Josh Butler