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This was a must-win game for both sides and a thrilling climax saw
the Roasters come out on top, securing much needed points in what's
proving to be a more than difficult season.
With a host of players back, this was possibly the strongest side
of the season, but when 'Pri' Mark Pollard and Tom 'The' Butcher got
stranded on the A30 due to mechanical failure it looked like Port
would be playing with their usual 9 players! The RAC came to the rescue
in time and the rosy cheeked midget in particular proved influential.
Inserted, The Roasters struggled early on, wides top scoring in the
opening partnership of 28 before Ronnie 'Chubby' Williams 49 ball
stay was ended when he dragged on for 8 in the 15th over. Not the
first time a Roaster's come unstuck whilst trying to pull....
Boo Boo Bonnett managed to rack up 54 before he was LBW. Unfortunately
that was balls faced, but 11 valuable runs added, allowing 'strokers'
JJ Walker and DCI 'Chicken' Higgs to put on 51 for the 3rd wicket
before Bonnett fingered his own man, Walker LBW for 23.
Kev 'Tyson' Oliver released his guns on the Hawks attack, smashing
a huge 6 and a couple of 4's in his entertaining cameo, but was counted
out for 17 when KO was KO'd with the score on 109. Neil 'Jaffa' Bartlett's
luck continues to desert him, caught second ball, 109-5.
Butcher joined Higgs and the pair rallied, Butcher hitting two maximums
in his 18 before he was bowled with the score on 145. Unfortunately
the tail failed to wag, Inspector Higgs only just managing to get
his 50 before he was the last man to fall but a decent target had
been set.
In reply the Hawks were going to have to bat well against a varied
attack - at last plenty of bowling options, and when Jaffa had Dunstan
gently poking him behind to Williams for just 5, trouble was brewing.
Butcher then caught skipper Benjy Bryant off Duck for 5 and all the
runs were coming from Stoddard, albeit slowly.
Bradley 'Baileys' Bury was brought on and Thomas was soon LBW to the
spin king, 35-3 and the Roasters smelt an opening. Steve Cloke briefly
threatened but tried to take on the Law, Higgs apprehending the catch,
49-4. Just 2 runs later Bunt was caught by Bury off Walker and it
looked like the end was in sight.
T'was not to be though as Thomas joined Stoddard and the pair pushed
on, getting past the 100 mark, but never increasing the rhythm as
the overs ticked by. Butcher and Pollard was both brought on and although
Stoddard briefly took a liking to Tom's length, Thomas struggled to
penetrate the tight ring and the pressure built, Duck casually taking
the catch off Butcher to remove Thomas.
Stoddard hung in there, keeping the Hawks in the game, but then drama!
Atkinson appeared to be caught by Walker, JJ immediately admitting
the ball had been grounded but the batsman had set off for a run,
Walker threw to Williams who whipped off the bails! Butcher and Pollard
were then both brought off, Duck and Bury brought on for the last
5 overs with 45 needed.
Crispy was hit for 2 edged 4's in his first over and Stoddard managed
to keep the rate in touch, but then Crispy struck, Neill-Hall caught
behind by Williams. 11 were needed from Bury's last over but the wily
fox held his nerve as Stoddard was kept off strike, bowling Maloney
on his first ball, Brey failing to get bat on ball for the next 2
before finally getting Stoddard on strike, 10 needed from 2 but with
him failing to reach the boundary the 2nd run was never on and Brey
was yards short and 19 points were snaffled!
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