BARTESTREE & LUGWARDINE fell agonisingly short of their revised target against Burghill, Tillington & Weobley which ultimately sealed their fate and relegation to the Worcester County League Division Two.
A season of many ups and downs rested on one performance for Bartestree against local rivals Burghill.
Advertisement
With Hagley almost certain to lose to Netherton, a victory would guarantee survival and their second season of Division One cricket.
Winning the toss was especially crucial on a wicket that had been under cover for days to protect it from rain.
Bartestree won the toss, and it was no surprise when they asked the Burgs to bat.
With nothing to play for the visitors shuffled their batting order and Bartestree bowlers Marcus Ashcroft (1-24) and Chrissy Brown (3-31) took advantage.
Advertisement
Burghill were teetering at 66-6. However, a stylish unbeaten run-a-ball 48 from Barney Morgan and a breezy 23 from Afaq Khalid dragged the score to 163-8 before a heavy shower brought the innings to a halt after 30.2 overs.
For those less familiar, a revised DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) target of 133 off 28 overs was calculated—a method used to set fair run targets in rain-affected matches.
The equation was simple for Bartestree needed to score 133 and remain in Division 1, or face relegation.
Advertisement
Tension was in the air, and the large home crowd cheered every run scored in the chase.
In their response Bartestree also lost cheap two early wickets with 11 runs on the board as the visiting bowlers and fielders were superb in the wet conditions resulting in two run-outs.
However, Marcus Ashcroft (65 not out) played beautifully throughout his stay at the crease and looked likely to win the match for the home team.
Ryan Trattell (18) and Ethan Lerego (11) had short partnerships at the crease with Ashcroft as the game remained in the balance going into the final over.
Advertisement
Burghill skipper Barney Morgan bowled the unforgettable final over to Marcus Ashcroft, with seven runs needed for victory. You could cut the air with the prevailing tension.
But it was not to be. An outstanding final over saw Burghill win this enthralling match by just three runs—the final over was truly the defining moment.
There was a quiet celebration from the Burgs and total disappointment and dejection from the home team and their supporters.
The win saw Burghill maintain their fifth place in the league, a position they hope to build on for next season.
Article courtesy of
Source link
