Wooburn Narkovians 2nd XI lost in the final over against unlikely league leaders, Chenies & Latimer 2nds in another tight finish. Brocklehurst’s unbeaten 53 proved to be the difference on a day when bowlers were once again on top.
Batting first, Wooburn slumped to 36-4 against the probing seam bowling Chris Lowe. On a quick pitch, the veteran consistently moved the ball both ways, and made use of some variable bounce. He was fortunate with the wicket of Angus Porter, who sportingly ‘walked’ when uncertain the ball had carried to first slip.
Alan Cuthbert and Stuart Savage, severely hampered by a back injury, set about repairing the damage with a fourth wicket partnership of 42. Savage fell to the inconsistent spin of Quereshi, and then Cuthbert departed soon after, when the ball brushed his thumb on the way through the wicket-keeper. The Wooburn batsmen this time ‘walked’ on the speculative appeal of first slip.
Wooburn were now in some trouble at 89-6, but Phil Cuthbert, who announced his arrival with two spanking boundaries off Quereshi, proceeded to make batting look almost comfortable. Taking the attack to the bowlers, he thumped two steepling sixes on his way to an excellent 51. He was well supported by the young Rob Hall, who batted with the maturity of a veteran in a stand of 61.
Pete Harper then helped add a further 22 in the last three overs to take the Narks to 172-7 off their 52 overs. A good effort in the conditions.
Chenies started solidly, Bourne and Darbyshire adding 31 before Bourne played on to the persistent Dave Jordan. John Moffit rode his luck against Phil Cuthbert, who probed away in an unlucky first spell. Darbyshire looked assured, driving well, until Pete Harper came into the attack and almost immediately had him leg before back on his stumps.
Quereshi, a big powerful hitter of the ball, decided to attack from the start. This proved to be a dangerous policy in the conditions and, despite surviveing a difficult high chance, he soon perished to a return catch to Wahleed Hussain.
Wooburn were now able to exert some pressure, Moffit and Brocklehurst being Chenies final remaining front line batsmen. Requiring only 4 runs per over, the batsmen looked to deal in singles, with the occasional boundary. As the required rate started to increase, Moffit went for a big hit over the top, but only managed to shovel the ball to mid off. Dave Jordan then picked up a deserved third wicket when Slager was bowled.
At 136-5, Wooburn were back in the match. O.Lowe then thick edged to ball to Angus Porter behind the stump, only to be given not out. After two Wooburn men had ‘walked’ earlier in the day, here was an opportunity for Chenies to show their sportsmanship. Sadly, it was lacking, and Lowe rather shamefully stood his ground. It left a sour taste for the Wooburn team. Lowe’s \prize\ was a torrid over from Phil Cuthbert that ended fittingly with his stumps knocked back by a fast yorker.
The other Lowe then came in and immediately survived another caught behind appeal. With that, Wooburn’s hopes faded. Brocklehurst, who had played the anchor for Chenies, saw the home team to victory in the final over.
