Grimmer Sees Harpsden Through

Grimmer Carries Harpsden Through

HARPSDEN met RIVETS on another warm, sunny Saturday afternoon at Harpsden’s picturesque ground, and although the pitch seemed hard and good for batting Harpsden’s decision to bowl first seemed justified when Ed Birkett dismissed Qasim and Rymer in quick succession. Rivets continued to score freely throughout the afternoon, although they lost wickets at regular intervals, including three wickets from young leg spinner Ben Hancock who bowled with great control. At 78 for 6 it looked as if Rivets were in deep trouble, but what followed was anything but routine for Harpsden. Strong hitting from Kashif got him to a quick fifty with the assistance of Shahid’s 39, but it was the reintroduction of Birkett that eventually dismissed these two to leave Rivets 214 for 9 at tea. Other wickets came from Tom Sampson, who always looked dangerous, and Mike Farmar who also took a great catch, if not after a fair bit of juggling.

Harpsden came out to bat, staring at the daunting total of 214 and, with both openers being quickly removed by Travers, Rivets looked to be well on their way to victory. Andy Grimmer put up a great rear guard action and his well made 33 with the assistance of Birkett’s watchful 15, and also Boobala, seemed to be enough to carry Harpsden through for the draw. A double wicket maiden for Rymer made things interesting but resolute defence from number 9 Mike Farmar saw Harpsden through to 98 for 9 at the close.

Scorecard

RIVETS

Burnett Ct. Hodgkiss b. Farmar 10
Qasim b. Birkett 1
Rymer Ct. Farmar b. Birkett 2
Exton Ct. Hepburn b. Hancock 23
Fenty Ct. Sampson b. Hancock 23
Babar b. Hancock 11
Delaney b. Sampson 23
Kashif Ct. Hancock b. Birkett 50
Shahid Ct. Rajeev b. Birkett 39
Waqar NOT OUT 8
Travers NOT OUT 1
Subtotal 191
Extras 23
Total 214

Best Bowling: Birkett 4-23, Hancock, 3-31

HARPSDEN

Hodgkiss Ct. Burnett b. Travers 6
Reissman Ct. Fenty b. Travers 1
Hepburn b. Travers 13
Sampson b. Shahid 3
Rajeev RUN OUT 8
Grimmer b. Rymer 33
Birkett b. Kashif 15
Boobala LBW b. Travers 3
Farmar NOT OUT 1
Hancock St. b. Rymer 0
Moyle NOT OUT 1
Subtotal 84
Extras 14
Total 98

Best Bowling: Travers 4-17, Rymer 2-2