Veteran seamer Graham Harrison was the star of the day, staking an early claim for the prestigious Stan Channer award for best bowling figures of the season with a superb 7 for 37. Harrison rolled back the years and even missed a hat-trick opportunity in a virtuoso display of bowling that the Saturday eleven would do well to study. Unfortunately he was supported by the usual dross as skipper Green opened the game up with a fine example of declaration bowling. Bourne End eventually posted 201 all out, a competitive total given Hill's abysmal record of chasing.
But Hill set about their task with enthusiasm. Keith Strickland notched 40
in his usual unflappable style, but it was Craig Ottaway who stole the
show with some effective pinch-hitting. The promising colt smashed 39 from
just 27 balls, and in doing so used up his luck for the whole season. Jon
Lown consolidated the innings with 47, while wicketkeeper Nick Lee blasted
a 36 ball 50 on his way to 55 before running himself out after forgetting
to put his bat down. Lee's drives were as crisp as the frosted snow, while
at the same time carrying gunshot reports, etc etc. But when both fell in
quick succession Hill still needed 18 from 3 overs. Wickets continued to
fall, before Ian Walter heroically struck a towering six to improve the
equation. Chances of victory fell back again as Green strode to the
crease, but he and Walter scampered the winning runs with just two balls
left as darkness closed in.Bourne End: 201 all out (Harrison 7 for 37)
Ley Hill: 202 for 7 (Lee 55, Lown 47, Strickland 40, Ottaway 39)
Ley Hill won by three wickets