Stalbridge Cricket Club

So to the biggest game of the year, so far, for the undefeated Blues. On another perfect evening for cricket, Henry lost the toss and Parley chose to bat.
Our opening bowlers, Jasper Hodgson (2-6) and Max Nettley (1-7), set to work. A wicket in the first over settled any nerves and then some really tight bowling, including 2 maidens and 1 wicket maiden, and a fine catch from Joe Daniels had Parley at 18-3 off 8 overs. More smart bowling keep the run rate low but a 4th wicket stand of 53 put Parley in a better position on 59-7 off 17. Then they began to push hard, but then their top bat retired and the 4th wicket fell and although the runs kept coming, 26 in the last 3 overs, the wickets kept tumbling and they finished on 75-7. Seb Carty (3-17) and Matt Longley (1-13) finished the innings well including two catches for Luke Mclaughlin and one really good one from Joe Leonard.
So 76 off 20 overs to win. After a steady start, 5 without loss after 4 overs, we lost both our openers which brought Max Nettley and Henry Chant together coupled  with an expensive 17 run over saw the score move to 24 off 7 overs. We lost another wicket, although Max was now seeing the ball well and stroking it about magestically, and he was also forging a good partnership with Joe Daniels.The two boys were on the same wave length and were taking control of the game, keeping the runs ticking over punctuated with the occasional boundary saw Max reach his 30 and had to retire with 8 runs needed off 4 overs. Joe took it on, batting with finesse and patience, plus a couple of scares in between, and with the help of Will Perkins, who again hit the winning runs, steered the team to victory with 4 balls to spare. AMAZING.
Man of the Match for his determined display with the bat went to Joe Daniels.
Congratulations to all the boys who played throughout the cup competition, you have really made everyone involved very proud!! Next stop the Regionals.