Ley Hill vs Downley, 30th August 2003

Given the unpredictability of the outcome of the Lee’s visit to Haddenham, all Ley Hill could do would be to earn maximum points from their last fixture and leave their fate to chance. Mr Jones won the toss and elected to bat on what looked an excellent batting wicket.

Both Steve Jones and Graham Harrison seemed ill at ease with the Downley openers and Steve tried to lob the tallest player in the field and was caught cheaply for 5. Chris Jones (inspired by his performance at the 6-a-side tournament) replaced him at the crease and immediately set about the bowling with gusto. The total had advanced to 45 when Graham was caught for 9, enter Az Shakoor. Chris (pictured, left) and Az both quickly passed 50 (despite a dog running off with the match ball. Thanks a bunch Mrs. Dog Owner who refused to restrain her dog so as not to cause it distress!), entertaining the faithful few with Az eventually dollying a catch to gully on 69.

Chris rocketed on to 123 (what a time to hit form!) then succeeded in running himself out leaving Chris East and Brian Puddephatt to improve on the Ley Hill total of 221. Brian again went cheaply, on this occasion missing a slow full toss he had time to play twice. Dave Craddock then joined Chris and quickly added 14 before being stumped. With Chris on 9 and relieved he no longer had to chase Craddock between the stumps, captain Chris called them in on 248 for 6 from 38 overs.

Keen to keep the momentum going, Ley Hill with a very attacking field, squeezed two overs in before tea but to no avail, was the writing on the wall? Apart from Dave P. again striking early and coaxing a catch behind, early spells from Dave, Az and Keith Richardson proved fruitless. Downley had moved on to 83 for 1 before Paul Green doubled the take, Keith managing to hold on to one of those tricky, looping, slip catches that stay in the air for 30 seconds! Downley then added another 31 runs before that man Green, again weaved his magic and skittled out number three. But it was slow going and a succession of dropped catches allowed the opposition to creep up to 167, sowing the seed of doubt in Ley Hill minds,  before Dave Peterson took an excellent high catch, right on the edge of the road.

This obviously inspired the bowling attack who were fast becoming demoralised by the poor fielding, Keith taking another and Az taking five, including a hat trick. The last six wickets going for 12 runs! Downley were all out, 68 runs short.

Unfortunately, a Downley colt, batting at number 10 was accidentally hit on the ankle causing him much distress. The attitude of certain members of Downley’s travelling supporters soured an intriguing and ultimately rewarding afternoon of cricket.

Ley Hill: 248 for 6 (Chris Jones 123, Az Shakoor 69)
Downley: 180 all out (Az Shakoor 5-31, Richardson 2-22, Green 2-42)
Ley Hill won by 68 runs

Men of the Match: Chris Jones for an excellent 123 and some difficult decisions which paid off! Az Shakoor for a stylish 69 and figures of 5 for 31 (plus hat trick)

Clowns of the Match: The four players who couldn’t get the ball back from the errant dog. The Downley supporter who was a nuisance at both fixtures.

Click here for the scorecard