Ley Hill vs Monks Risborough, 23rd August 2003

Will Holman

In the seven games preceding this, Ley Hill had amassed 155 points from a possible 175, a phenomenal return that confirmed the Hill's promotion credentials. Meanwhile, Downley and Monks Risborough had flattered to deceive against mixed opposition, meaning that Hill needed just six points from this game to guarantee second spot in the Mid Bucks Division One, and with it promotion to the Premier.

Ley Hill certainly started in promotion form. Craig Ottaway, spurred on by big jugs back in the pavilion, bowled opener Carrington with no runs on the board. Jon Lown then removed number three Altaf, courtesy of a shaky catch from Martin Leadbitter,  but this was a mixed blessing, bringing the classy and strong-hitting Amjad to the wicket. Monks never really accelerated away, but they did consistently score runs against all the home bowlers. The prized wicket of Amjad, who scored 19 more than his team-mates combined, came only at the death, one of four scalps for slingy veteran Andy Rennard.

Openers Mark Curtis and Will Holman made a steady, constructive start, finding singles easy to come by against an extremely defensive field. Holman was the first to fall, caught off King at short leg by the absurdly excited Yarranton. Rennard fell to the same combination, only adding to the impression that Yarranton thought he had just won the Ashes for England with a 10-wicket haul. The histrionics continued as Hill's middle-order made little impact, and things looked precarious at just 87 for 5.

Az Shakoor (right) made a quick eight, but it was the arrival of the dependable Nick Lee to the wicket that gave Ley Hill the fillip they required. Lee found gaps easy to find, forming excellent partnerships with skipper Jon Lown and then big-hitter Sohail Khan. The combinations were up-to-speed on the 10-an-over required rate, putting Hill into a position that had only a few overs previous seemed unimaginable. Lee in particular, now second in the batting averages, was demonstrating timing as crisp as the leaves on the ground, but at vital times found himself at the wrong end of the wicket. In the end, with boundaries required off the final few balls, the gallant 'Spooner' Khan was just unable to do the necessary.

Nevertheless, the actual result was secondary to Ley Hill having achieved the necessary six points to secure promotion, and the late disappointment was not enough to crush the joy of Hill's triumphant warriors. In scenes replicated only in the likes of Wembley Stadium, Old Trafford and the Bernabeu, Champagne celebrations ensued, including an already metallic vintage being swigged from a proxy promotion trophy. The best season in many years now reaches its conclusion at Downley, but Ley Hill go into it knowing that their past performances have secured their rightful place, back home, in the Mid Bucks Premier.

Monks Risborough: 205 all out (Rennard 4-12, Az Shakoor 2-37)
Ley Hill: 201-7 (Lee 53 all out, Curtis 47)
Losing draw for Ley Hill

Man of the Match: Nick Lee stumped Monks' main man and, from an unlikely position, took the Hill to within a whisker of victory.
Clown of the Match: No clowns for Ley Hill on the day we took our place back in the Premier.

Click here for the scorecard