Cricket: Bray lose to Walker ton

Posted on August 23, 2011

In the crucial fixture against league leaders North Crawley the Bray had to win convincingly to put Crawley under any pressure, with just the two games to follow.

As it was Crawley won the toss and asked the Bray to bat, who promptly slumped to 30-2 as both Hosking (22) and Peacock (0) succumbed to the bowling of Sharpe. This left Harris and Norris with much to do and at drinks they were still together, but accurate bowling had left them behind the perceived run rate. Some acceleration followed but the departure of Harris (60) allowed Flecknell to open his shoulders and smash 73* from only 40 deliveries and with Norris (52*) the Bray finished with a respectable 220-3 from their 44 overs.

On Crawley's excellent wicket 220 isn't a huge total and early wickets would be key to a Bray win, however Walker timed the ball well from the off and despite the loss of Phillipson, Goss (55*) who batted with great energy and Walker with a chanceless(121*) cruised to victory with 7 overs to spare. This all but means Crawley have taken the league title and on the evidence of this game they are surely the strongest team in all departments and deserved of the title.

On a sad note the game was unfortunately marred by the very serious injury to Bray bowler Manny Barker, who sustained a leg break whilst fielding and all our thoughts are with him as he now faces a long road to recovery.

Crawley face second place MK City next and with the Bray just 47 behind them any slip ups by City could see the Bray sneak to second place and in what has been a difficult season runners-up spot would be a bonus.

Scorecard

• Result: North Crawley CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 8 wickets
• Date: Sat 20th Aug 2011
• Start Time: 13:30
• Ground: The Recreation Ground - North Crawley
• Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
• Scoring: Standard
• Toss: North Crawley CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
• Highlights: Eaton Bray - James Flecknell 73*, Paul Harris 60, Andy Norris 52* North Crawley - Alex Walker 121*, Marcus Goss 55*

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club