Harpsden v Hambleden 17/05/08

Grimmer Steers Harpsden To Finish Line In Nail Biter

Hambleden

Francis Run Out 17

G Mattingley b Tapan 0

Bradford Not Out 78

Rosier ct Hodgkiss b Grimmer 58

Stopps ct Greenwood b Boobala 2

Hollingway b Greenwood 2

S Mattingley Not Out 0

TOTAL 178-5

Best Bowling: Hodgkiss 1-13, Boobala 1-9

Harpsden

Bradley LBW b G Mattingley 0

Rajeev b S Mattingley 33

Harris ct Bradford b Holloway 35

Tapan b O’Shea 12

Boobala Run Out 5

Greenwood b G Mattingley 14

Fitzimons c & b Bradford 2

Stevens ct Bradford b G Mattingley 8

Grimmer Not Out 28

Hancock Run Out 11

Hodgkiss Not Out 3

TOTAL 182-9

Best Bowling: G Mattingley 3-30, O’Shea 2-26

Harpsden travelled to Hambleden on a very dull and wet day. Harpsden put Hambleden into bat, and got their reward in the first over, Tapan bowling Mattingley for 0. This brought Bradford to the crease to join Francis, they started cautiously, but gradually built themselves an innings, only for Francis to be run out for 17. Bradford was then joined by Rosier, both batsmen were timing the ball beautifully, and both deservedly passed fifty. Rosier was then removed for 58 by Grimmer. Bradford continued for the latter part of the innings, with some lusty blows, bringing Hambleden up to a good total of 178.

Harpsden started disastrously, with Bradley given out leg before wicket in the first over. Rajeev and Harris built a solid partnership, taking Harpsden to 79 off 19 overs, before Harris fell to Holloway. Harpsden then collapsed, and skipper Hodgkiss had written off his team. Greenwood chipped in with a useful 14, when Hancock came to the crease, Harpsden were 8 wickets down, still needing 35 to win. Grimmer and Hancock built a partnership, and it looked as if Harpsden were home and dry, but then they tried one quick single to many, and Hancock was run out for a quickfire 11. This ensured the game was going to go to the wire. But Harpsden finished the game off, with Grimmer finishing on a match saving 28 not out.