Valiant Chase Ends In Defeat

Posted on August 16, 2009

After losing the toss (again) on a hot day, Bray were asked to field. An early wicket for Ruff thanks to a stunning slip catch by the author secured an early breakthrough. (One fielder remarked that the catch was indeed 'world class'.) However, opener Akhtar set about punishing the attack and a score of 300 was on the cards.

Akhtar then made a fatal error. Ozzie 'bucket hands' Osborne, back from injury after 6 consecutive seasons out, picked up the ball on the boundary and Akhtar called for a second run. The direct hit on the stumps had him run out by yards! Bucket hands proceeded to take two catches with the usual thud as the ball was safely secured in his hands. Jones, switched ends after 3 overs for 30 and promptly picked up 2 wickets (somehow). Tickle got an lbw despite not appealing himself but the star of the show was the constantly improving Jake Barker who ended with 3 for 17 off his 4 overs, narrowly missing a hat-trick as the ball raced past the outstretched McDermid's hands.

A total of 236 for 8 was a very good score on the EB wicket and with the early loss of Wilson and Hearn, looked a long way away. Captain Peacock came to the wicket to join makeshift opener Kerins and the two set about the chase. Kerins by blocking and Peacock by keeping up with the required 6 runs an over with some sublime shots.

Peacock went on to make a career best 91 before being bowled trying to keep up with the required 10 an over run rate. A first ton is surely just around the corner for this classy batsman?

Bucket hands hit a huge 6 in his cameo 28 before he fell to the cause, and Jake Barker smacked the ball around as Bray fell for 197 in near darkness.

That of course didn't stop youngsters, Kiki, Ryan and Charlie from then having another game!

-- Slip Specialist

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club