Harpsden v Ruislip Victoria 7/06/08

Harpsden Lose Out in Tense Encounter

Harpsden

Bryan b Andrew 42

Hodgkiss c&b Andrew 66

Broome b Andrew 11

Sampson c&b Andrew 4

Imlay b Fry 38

Mitchell ct Andrew b F Booth 11

Ham Not Out 9

Rajeev Not Out 19

TOTAL 236-6

Best Bowling: Andrew 4-47, F Booth 1-16

Ruislip Victoria

Tanmay c&b Hodgkiss 82

Pike ct Hodgkiss b Farmar 12

Khan b Hancock 42

F Booth ct Broome b Hodgkiss 26

Bridger b Hodgkiss 8

Da Costa Not Out 31

J Booth Not Out 10

TOTAL 237-5

Best Bowling: Hodgkiss 3-39, Hancock 1-37

Harpsden won the toss and decided to bat on a beautiful day. Hodgkiss and Bryan started slowly, ending up on 12 without loss after five tight overs from the opening bowlers. The two batsmen then accelerated, and at drinks were well established in there innings. Hodgkiss reached his half century soon after, with his typical array of good strokes. Bryan fell soon after for a very well played 42. This also brought to an end a brilliant century partnership between the two batsmen. Broome came to the crease to join Hodgkiss with the score on 109 off 20 overs. Broome and Hodgkiss fell in quick succession to bring old campaigner, Imlay, and youngster, Mitchell together. Imlay was timing the ball brilliantly all round the park, and eventually fell soon after Mitchell for a vital 38. Rajeev and Ham brought the score to 236-6 off Harpsdens allocated 40 overs. With some lusty blows, especially from Rajeev, who hit one massive six over mid wicket.

Ruislip Victoria started off cautiously and eventually payed the price, with Pike caught by Hodgkiss off the bowling of Farmar. Tanmay and Khan then built a very solid partnership, with Tanmay passing fifty along the way. The partnership was brought to an end with a brilliant piece of spin bowling from Hancock, bowling Khan through the gate. Booth then hit some powerful shots around the ground before he fell for 26, this ensured there would be a tight finish. Ruislip Victoria got home with one ball to spare, despite the best efforts of Hodgkiss, who claimed 3-39.

Harpsden really payed for there simple errors in the field, however credit must be given to Ruislip Victoria, who batted strongly throughout there innings.