Marden 2nd XI V’s Horton Kirby 2nd XI – Marden Win by 5 Wickets

For the second time in June the home crowd were treated to a thrilling finish with this time Marden coming out on top from the penultimate ball of the match. Kirby are always a useful side but they played their “get out of jail card” last year with an incredible escape act having been 9 wickets down. This year the old lags in the Marden side were determined not to let victory slip through their fingers again and we successfully chased down 203 to win.

Kirby elected to bat first and were pegged back from the start by an accurate and a pacey Ben Tompkinson and Nav.

Horton attempted to put bat to ball in the opening overs and Nav took some early tonk but recovered brilliantly to bowl the dangerous Bradley Bull for a duck. Ben (4 for 49) eventually sorted out both the openers beating both for pace out to good catches behind the wicket. With Steve Mattison applying the brakes in mid innings (1-30-12) and Gareth Ward also creating problems with his spin, Kirby were struggling at 67 for 6. A couple of drop catches let the visitors back into the game and they were indebted to their number 5 bat J Scott who made a responsible 75 not out to eventually see them past 200. Harry bowled tightly at the end but lost a little control in his last over and Nick also picked up a wicket with the visitors ending their winnings on 203 for 7.

Once again the Marden outfielding left a little to be desired but there was a feeling that this was gettable total particularly if we could make a sound start to the run chase.

Chris (37) and Nick (58) did precisely that with a partnership of 93 for the first wicket both driving beautifully down the ground including a straight 6 by Chris into the road. Kirby mixed it up well taking the pace off the ball with their spinners but it was veteran left armer steamer Ian Abernethy down from the first team who eventually bowled Chris through the gate. Nick reached his 50 but soon lost Rupert and Nigel to the slower bowlers. With plenty of batting on the side there was a general feeling that Nick would see the job through but he was judged run out after a direct hit which left the match in the balance at 133 for 5. With Tony Mortimer and the skipper both fresh to the crease 7 an over of the last 10 overs suddenly seemed a tall order with the Horton Kirby tails up and scenting victory.

The runs began to flow but with 40 overs gone the rate had slipped to 10 an over with Abernethy still lurking and dangerous ready to bowl out his spell. Both batsmen kept their heads and although chances were given they were missed and with an over to go 5 were needed for victory. With the aid of some well judged singles and a no ball Mortimer (44 not out) smashed the penultimate delivery through the offside for the winning runs, to the delight of his skipper (32 not out) and a very nervous team in the pavilion.

This was a fine game of cricket against a bunch of lads who play the game hard but who accepted defeat in the proper spirit. My man of the match and club cap goes to Nick Burdge for his fine innings at the top of the order coupled with a wicket and the priceless ability to stop the ball in the outfield!

The team for Shipbourne away 1:30pm start is:

1. THOMAS R

2. HUMPHREY R

3. KARIM

4. MORTIMER A

5. WARD

6. MATTISON

7. TOMKINSON B

8. FRASER

9. BURDGE

10. NAV

11. JONES

I suggest we meet at The Chaser pub on Shipbourne Green fronting the main A227 road at any time after 12:15. The pub in only a few hundred yards from the ground. Any problems on the morning please ring me on 07770 937 489. Nav & Harry a big shortage of keepers this week – you guys will have to spoof to see who gets the job!!