Friday July 02, 2010

Saturday 22nd May 2010 v West Wycombe (Home)

Fulmer 204-5, West Wycombe 204 Match tied 

A gripping encounter saw one of cricket’s rare tied games at KGF on May 22^nd. On an afternoon few will ever forget our opponents came into the final over needing 14 to win, and only a run out from the final ball prevented them claiming a remarkable win with just 9 men. 

It all seemed to be going Fulmer’s way in the early stages as openers Tony King and Mark Denness posted 76 for the first wicket. After 20 overs Fulmer looked well set for a large total, until Wycombe’s spinners suddenly put a stranglehold on proceedings. Mark, earlier so fluent with six boundaries, got completely bogged down as his score advanced in singles, being finally bowled on 49. 

Nigel Field, leading the race for batting honours this season with Uzair, looked serene as he passed 50 in effortless style, before inexplicably holing out to the 7^th bowler to be used. This proved to be an inspired change by the opposition skipper, as Mr Parretta then sent down six tight overs to claim 3-22 and the Fulmer run charge was derailed.  

Nick Box finished on 46 not out but managed just three fours as Parretta at one end and one of Wycombe’s colts produced excellent spells. Despite the gaps in the field there was some head-shaking at tea as to how Fulmer, from such early promise, had failed to motor on up towards a score of 250 plus.

On paper, and needing to take just 8 wickets, our bowling attack soon warmed to the task, with Nahman claiming an early scalp. But half centuries from the next three batsmen, all of whom mixed aggression with watchfulness, steadily made inroads into the total. Although Wycombe were always behind on the run rate, only three run outs – as their batsmen inevitably starting chancing their arm – kept Fulmer hanging on to this game. Shyam, a little rusty perhaps, took 2-46 from his 8 overs (but contributed a fine run out with a direct hit), Derrick R returned 2-44 and Nahman had 1-41. 

Wides and byes at the death from us saw the odds swing suddenly to a sensational win for the away side as the tension of the final over became unbearable, with the last pair at the crease. West Wycombe came up just short, but what a magnificent effort they made. 

Congratulations all round for an unforgettable contest.