Seaman’s last over heroics seal victory
WNCC snatched victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to an astonishing last over from Captain Marcus Seaman.
The WNCC innings of 155 was thanks to 4 main contributors. Jim Thompson laced 28 before passing the baton onto two unlikely batting heroes. It appears that Tom Coke with 20, our born again superhero, is now adding batting to his list of recently discovered talents. This inspiration rubbed off onto Wilson Stephens who smote the ball to all parts and was even asked to retire on 39. Whether that spares him from his normal no 11 slot in future games, i’m not sure. Finally Matt Bickerton spanked a quickfire 21 at the end of the innings.
Following the example of the National team, the club captain Robert Gurney handed over the reigns to the match manager Marcus Seaman for the day and not only did he juggle eight bowlers but also took responsibility to bowl the final over with the Nocturns requiring 5 to win and two batsmen with scores over fifty. No retirement of players for them as they wanted to avenge the previous years defeat.
Ball 1 – big shout for caught behind, ball flicked pad so not out but still 5 to win.
Ball 2 – big shout for LBW and given ……..OUT. 4 balls to go, 5 to win
Ball 3 – delayed by batsman conference with the non striker overheard saying just get a bat on it – sadly the dark clouds were overhead, the rain had started to fall as Seaman jogged up to the wicket and …. BOWLED him 1st ball.
Ball 4 – can’t remember – dot
Ball 5 – quick single from their new man, Philip Curl (a shrewd Judge of a quick single) – raining much harder
Ball 6 – 4 required, all fielders on the boundary, straight drive from their opening batsman, Pallister, heading at high velocity towards the sightscreen, Alex Thompson the nearest fielder at Long On sets off, and with 4 yards to go slides feet first like Roy Keane against Arsenal. Now for all those that have played with Alex will know why our hearts were in our mouths as the ball disappeared – had he missed it – no our hero was sitting on it and won the match.
