So near and yet so far

The unique attraction of a Kassabian concert proved too tempting for a number of players, and those players who found themselves representing the First team fought hard, before ultimately succumbing to a disappointing 42 runs defeat.

Joe and Gaz opened the bowling, and with only his 7th ball, Gaz had the Houghton opener well caught by Dan Stokes, and in the same over bowled his partner, leaving Houghton on 14 for 2. A great start. Neil Thakkrar though came to the crease, and took part in two substantial partnerships (59 for the 3rd , and then 106 for the 4th). Jonny used six bowlers in an attempt to dislodge him, but it was only with the final ball of the innings that Wade bowled him for 108.

A target of 228 was hard, but achievable, requiring a run rate of 5 an over. Tom and Gaz made a steady start, maintaining the required rate, before succumbing to the opening bowlers, before Wade took over with some well timed drives. Dave Sharpe on his debut for the firsts, played some nice shots before being perhaps unluckily adjudged lbw.

In fact a feature of the reply was that 7 batsman got a start, but failed to go on and play and innings of 60 or 70 that would have turned the game.

The game was probably done for with 43 required from 3 overs, when Steve holed out at long on, a shot that would have been 6 at Bassett Avenue. At this point Sy Garrard, batting last because of his injured hamstring, limped to the wicket. Joe (the batsmen had crossed) negotiated the remaining 4 balls of over 43, Sy, the following over from Jack Gilford from the Uppingham Road end.

This left Joe to negotiate the final over. The whole Houghton team surrounded him, with one fielder practically lying on the wicket. Joe kept the first three out, but sadly the thinnest edge was snapped up off the fourth.
Jubiliation by the Houghton players, and a sad trudge back to the pavilion for Sy and Joe. So near and yet so far.