The Hill were asked to bat after losing the toss,
with the Holman brothers given the task of blunting the Downley attack. After
a steady start, Will played on and was soon followed by Tom. Old hands Jon
Lown and Martin Leadbitter (left) took up the challenge, putting on 108 for the third
wicket, of which Texas Pete contributed an aggressive 72. Typically for a
Leadbitter innings against Downley, his innings was not without controversy.
When on 71 he appeared to push a simple return catch back to the stroppy
Willans but stood his ground claiming a bump ball. With the umpire at the
bowler's end unsighted by the bowler, it was left to the square leg (and home)
umpire to give the decision. When he gave not out, it threatened to "kick
off", although the situation was calmed when Leadbitter was out bowled shortly
afterwards.
After rather too much tea, the Downley reply
started, and continued, with a steady flow of boundaries. At 131 for 3 off 28
overs, the match looked to be Downley's, although colt Scott Peterson had
other ideas as he took two quick wickets including opener Peacock for 45.
Downley suddenly had the jitters, clearly recalling the fixture at Ley Hill
earlier in the season when they had contrived to throw the game away. Three
wickets fell with Downley within 6 runs of the target and the Hill were
wondering if history would repeat itself. However, it was not to be and
Downley limped home with just two wickets to spare.