Fairytale ending??

As everybody REALLY wanted to travel to Illston Abbey of the final game of the season, we arrive at the ground all on time?? Apart from Johno. Illston only needing 6 points to stay up as long as Barkby didn`t get 30 points.

Karl called tales and what he always says `tales never fails`... unfortunately it failed so we were put into bat.

As it was Ash Hallams final game for the niffy we decided to let him open the batting with Johno.
Johno was first for fall getting bowled by Hitest for 0. Then it wasn`t so much the fairytale ending for Hallams batting as he was next to go for 13 again by Hitest this time trapping him LBW. Then Joe was next to fall after getting dropped first ball, then being trapped LBW and yet again walking before the umpire has given it. That was Hitests third wicket within his first 4 overs as it was much longer before he claimed his fourth. After bowling `ball of the day` to Matt, Matt departed for 2. So the score so far being 14-4 , we all though 100 was miles away. But with Will and Pops strolling to the crease, clearly Hitest had ran out of steam and started bowling full tosses at pops that he put away to the boundary. Will dug in around Pops and both looking comfortable until Pops missed a straight one and got bowled for a well batted 25. Will was next to go `snicking` off? For another well played 18. Then rolled in Wagon and Karl. Karl hitting the trademark pull and sweep. Waggy hitting the ball to the boundary as well, playing some textbook shots. Karl was next to go getting trapped LBW by Jag. For a well played 32 and Karl and Waggy putting over a 100 partnership together. I think we can all say, thanks boys. Muggle was in and out within a couple of balls trying to get us to 200 but falling for only 1. Waggy at the other end hitting a huge 6 that landed in Cosby. Nick coming and going for a solid 3. Gibbo entered the crease and put Waggy on strike, Waggy smashing his way to 77 before getting caught on the boundary. Gibbo with a solid 1 not out. We ended up on 182 all out.

Going into tea, positive minds. we decided to get our spikes on and start to bowl.

Nick opened up taking a wicket with his last ball of the over. Hallam opened up with Nick and took his time to get his rhythm but with a drop catch from Joe diving to his LEFT in the slips (as the rule goes.. always dive to your right) Nick then struck again with a catch from Pops taking Illston to 18-2. Nick then struck again with a catch from pops that had `snow` on it. Super technique, taking the catch from the furthest possible point from his body but good hands James. Nick took his fourth with a great ball taking top of off. Joe bowled well but didn`t take a wicket and with Nick finishing his overs Karl came on at the other end. Gibbo taking trapping the batsmen LBW that was `plum`. Karl then took 2 in 2 with a wonder catch from Will behind the stumps then the batsmen moaning that he hit the ball for Karls second that was an LBW. So Illston being 71-8 at this point and the niffy were feeling confident. Matt bowled well without taking a wicket. The moment that everyone thought the game may have been won, the ball left the atmosphere and Gibbo being underneath itish? He dropped it, unlucky lad. Muggle then got the break through in the 42nd over but was it too late?? It went to the final over, who else could we give it to apart from Ashley Hallam. Everyone around the bat wanting the wicket, would this be Ash`s fairytale ending? Unfortunately it wasn`t to be.

So the game ended up being a winning draw for us that ruined the 6 from 6 but I`m sure we will take it. We fought hard and it sums up the season. Lets roll on next year and lets get on the promotion train!!

On behalf of the rest of club, good luck to Ash for the future and I`m sure we will see you soon or at least Gardener will.

So for the final time this year, Boys, it`s been a pleasure.

See you lot next year, stay safe and injury free, have a good Christmas and new year and I will see you all in January for training.

Brother Hawker x