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N O R W I C H B Y S T A N D E R S
2 M A Y 2 0 0 9 |
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Written by John Burbridge
East Harling 192-6 beat Norwich Bystanders 163-7 by 29 runs. Lucas Fettes Norfolk League Division 2.
With the last 2 games falling victim to the weather it was a relief to find a playable wicket even if a bit green. Having won the toss Barry Wells elected to bat and try to seize the initiative from third placed Bystanders. His decision was vindicated with an excellent opening stand of 117, between Rob Free and Ross Pickerill reliving the glory days of last season, which ended when Free was caught behind off the retuning Spaxman for a fine 87, his more circumspect partner having reached 20. Pickerill was then able to accelerate even though Kevin Seymour stumped and Matt Jubb bowled both fell victim to 6th choice bowler Eastwick. 150-3 from 38 overs. Pickerill was then caught off Andrews for 43, while Eastwick then removed Stuart Hilton 11 and Steve Fisher 0 in the same over, leaving Barry Wells and Michael Pill to take the score to 192-6 from the 45 overs.
One of Harling's strengths this season has been the tightness of the opening attack, with Steve Fowler unavailable, young Michael Pill was given his opportunity to shine with the new ball, and did not disappoint as the Bystanders reply was strangled, crawling to 16 from the first 12 overs with Sawat caught by Kevin Seymour off Andrew Macrow. Press and new partner Kennedy continued to struggle with Macrow removing Kennedy caught behind by Barry Wells. Drinks were taken at 23 overs with the score at 40-2 ,Macrow having finished his 12 overs with 2-17. His replacement, Stuart Hilton bowled Wright in his second over and with Stuart Ayton bowling Ligh in the next over, the visitors were reduced to 49-4 from 28 overs, and a home victory seemed assured.However, incoming batsman Tahliani somehow convinced the becalmed opener Press that he could hit the ball, and 80 runs were added in the next 11 overs, until a superb diving catch on the boundary by Ross Pickerill off Pill saw the end of Press for 62.I must add that this was probably one of the best catches seen at Harling for a long long time, that'll be a pint next week then Ross! Although this wicket owed much to the medical prowess of nurse Cheryl who had just treated the bowler for cramp. Spirited batting over the last few overs saw Bystanders get within 30 runs of the Harling total as Tahliani 31 unwisely taking on David Fowler's arm and Augustin 8 victim of Steve Fisher's direct hit were both run out, their reply finishing on 163-7.
Bowling A Macrow 12-4-17-2, M Pill 10-2-26-1, S Ayton 12-2-52-1,S Hilton 11-1-56-1.
Man of the match Rob Free.
This victory secured the Division 2 title to go with last seasons Division 3 title and gives this Harling side the chance of emulating the 3 back to back titles of 89,90 &91.
Well done boys!
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