Ley Hill v Bucks CC, 14th
June 2003
Tom Holman
Chris Jones’ second eleven bounced back from a one-wicket defeat at home to
Bovingdon with a superb two-wicket win at the cauldron that is Stoke Mandeville,
hope to Bucks CC seconds.
Bucks CC are not known as a club for their defensive approach, and they raced
away to 117 from just 20 overs. Unfortunately they also lost all of their
wickets in that time too, thanks to yet another extraordinary display of bowling
from Keith Richardson. The veteran wheeled away with his deceptively slow right
arm slingers for seven for 50, bringing his haul for a renaissance season to 14.
Az Shakoor added to his growing reputation as an all-rounder with three for 28
as Hill wrapped up the innings in little over an hour.
But victory in the seconds is never a straightforward affair, and ducks from
Paul Humphreys, Steve Jones, Andy Spinks and Denis McCarthy meant that there was
plenty of work to do. The latest failure was the third nought in as many games
for chirpy wicket-keeper Humphreys, leaving him fearing relegation to the thirds
– if they’ll take him. But Graham Harrison steadied the ship with a responsible
45, and Hill eventually sneaked home by just two wickets to notch up their
fourth win of the season.
Bucks CC: 117 all out (Richardson 7 for 50, Shakoor 3 for 28)
Ley Hill: 118 for 8 (Harrison 45*)
Ley Hill won by two wickets
Man of the match: That man Keith Richardson, still wowing the crowds with
his unique bowling style and zestful approach to the game
Clown of the match: Denis McCarthy, who took to the crease with one run
needed for victory – and returned to the hut moments later with the job left
undone *
* nominated by D. McCarthy