Second Team Hang On For Draw

Paul Orton was the best of the bowlers conceding just 2½ runs an over and picking up the wicket of opener Zac Leonard caught at square leg by Will Darraugh. There were also wickets for Tom Weymes and Sanjoy Bassi and two for Toby Wastling.

With a strong batting line up there was no concern about scoring 218 in 48 overs for victory. And in the ninth over at 49 for no wicket everything was going to plan. But by the end of the thirteenth over there was a very different complexion as the score had slumped to 51 for 4. Opener Solly Woodall was still there and was joined by Toby Wastling. They set about a recovery scoring just 12 runs in seven overs but then upping the rate to score 91 in the next 18.

They put on 102 together and with a scoring rate of just over a run a ball needed for the last ten overs, a Tring Park win looked on with wickets in hand. But Woodall was out for 50, soon followed by Will Darraugh whose short innings did include a full toss being deposited well into the car park. Toby Wastling followed for 59 in the next over and it was decided to play out for a draw. But this was completed in an odd manner.

Initially, as you would expect, there was no attempt to play shots. But then we had three fours and two sixes as extravagant shots were played and, more importantly, the loss of three wickets. This resulted in number eleven Nick Grant having to block the final ball to complete the draw by the slenderest of margins.