Cricket: Eaton Bray win Village Cup Thriller

Posted on June 15, 2012

This Sunday witnessed a game of cricket that will live in Club folklore for a very long time indeed!

Playing in the Yorkshire Tea National Village Cup regional Semi Final at home versus Everholt.

Batting first the Bray had an early wobble being 24-2. losing Alden for 6 and Hosking for 3. A steady partnership between skipper Norris and young Flecknell took the Bray to 72-2. At which point Norris was dismissed for 33, and shortly after Flecknell departed for 24.

What happened next the England team of 1990s would of been proud of. Subsiding from 72-2 to 85 all out. Eversholt's talented bowlers proving too much for the Bray's young middle and lower order.

After another wonderful tea a subdued Bray took the field. However, miracles can happen in cricket, not that many of us believed it was today!!

Having reached 42-2, Eversholt looked favourites to progress, but the skipper kept reminding us "a couple of quick wickets and anything would be possible!"

Which is what happened! An inspired spell of leg break bowling, or straight onners as Wes the keeper said) from Jim Flecknell ripped out Eversholt's middle and lower order in pretty quick time. Jim finishing with 6-23 from his 8.1 overs. Norris 2-21 from 9 and Ellerton 1-26 from 9.

Some exemplary fielding and catching from the young Bray team, with several super catches (Adam Harvey, Ryan Peacock both taking stunners), a run out (a Peeky / Greeny combo) and several diving stops (and non stops - from the author!), backed up the tight bowling from Eaton Bray's 3 main bowlers.

Eversholt eventually being bowled out for 73 to send the Bray into the Final!

The final wicket, Lichfield (who had already showered and changed before needing to pad up!) caught behind off Flecknell for 0, brought a sizeable cheer from the small Eaton Bray section of the crowd and produced a proper team Hug in the middle. And then the incredible sight of the skipper buying a jug!!

Now the author needs to avoid going to a Test match the day before the next round!!

Ian Jones - 15/06/2012

Scorecard

• Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won by 12 runs
• Date: Sun 10th Jun 2012
• Start Time: 13:00
• Ground: The Rye Gardens
• Type: Cup : National Village Cup - Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire - Group 22 (Third Round)
• Scoring: Standard
• Toss: Eversholt CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
• Highlights: Eaton Bray: A.Norris 33, J.Flecknell 6-22, Eversholt: J.Fuller 3-34

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club