History in the making
 
Saturday saw the Strollers break their duck in Chippenham after ten years in glorious fashion. Chippenham set a challenging 224 to win, following another fine batting performance from their key batsman Mars Bar Man Simon (93*). Chippenham's total of 223 for 2 off 42 overs could have been much higher bar some fine control at the end shown by Graeme and Ben. Ben particularly was most unlucky to finish wicketless having beaten the bat consistently all day and had a couple of extremely sharp chances put down. K***** also bowled a good spell in the middle of the innings, which again helped keep the Chippenham total just about in sight. Kevin's declaration which left the Strollers more or less the same number of overs to bat was sporting but clearly done with a view to trying to steal a win.

Following a sumptious tea, the early running between the wickets by the Strollers was a little pedestrian, but George (17) and De Dazzler (34) combined well to give a solid platform of 59 for the first wicket in around 15 overs. Simon (50) took over with Chris and then K***** (46) to push up the run rate which threatened to exceed 7 an over for the remainder of the innings but never quite did. When Simon and K***** both fell after two excellent innings with 5 or 6 overs remaining and Matt and Graeme were unable to hang around and score freely at the same time, it was left to Dickie and Big Gav to bring the side home. 12 runs needed with 2 overs to go became 5 runs needed off the final over for an epoch-making win. At this point, four results were still possible in the game: win, lose, tie and draw. Gav managed to drill the ball away for a couple of runs but Kevin bowled with clever control to leave the Strollers needing 2 runs off 2 for the win. It was time to run whatever happened. Gav got bat on ball and set off like a gazelle for the other end. Pressure on the fielding side clearly told and some fumbling allowed the big feller to get home with ease. The tie was in the bag but could the Strollers steal the win? The pressure was on Dickie as Kevin ran in to bowl the last ball of the match with the Chippenham fielders crowding the infield. Dickie saw it well and made a solid connection, Gav had already set off, the ball went straight to a fielder who managed to pick it up and hurl it to Kev as Dickie charged him. Kev clearly panicked, fumbled, Dickie slid home and history was made. A proud day for all concerned.

Matt Morgan
23.08.05

<< scorecard