Last over thriller sees Holmfirth pip Thongsbridge to the post with two run win

As stumps on the first day of the English Test summer was being called at Lords, the other big match of the day was preparing to get underway. Having made the short journey down to the road to Holmfirth CC, Thongsbridge were looking to continue their unbeaten league success. Holmfirth winning the toss elected to bat, making use of the clear skies and bright sunshine still adorning the pitch.

First over excitement saw Thongsbridge pick up two quick wickets, with some fielding brilliance by Teddy, cleanly picking the ball up at cover and running out Holmfirth’s opener with a direct hit; then two balls later Bryn found the top of off stump with a good length delivery.
Thongsbridge continued to bowl with great accuracy and economy, none more so than Teddy, captaining his side, who picked up two maidens for his efforts with the ball.

Holmfirth batted very well during the middle overs, with some Boycott-esque forward defense on show, so effective that Thongsbridge didn’t find the stumps again until the sixteenth over, when Tristan sent down a back of a length delivery which found its way on to off stump.
Frazer kept wicket magnificently, given it was his first time behind the stumps, improving as each over went by, his natural talent for the gloves certainly shone through.

Holmfirth 270/4

Despite having a target lower than in other weeks, Thongsbridge knew they would have to make the most of all their scoring opportunities to chase down 271, on a pitch which offered little bounce causing most deliveries to keep low.

Holmfirth picked up two early wickets, meaning Thongsbridge had to bat sensibly, but keep the scoreboard ticking over. Bryn, Solomon and Harry all managed to find the boundary, adding some much-needed runs.

At the halfway point during their innings, Thongsbridge were advancing ahead of where Holmfirth were with ten overs down. However, as the final ten overs ticked by it was becoming clear this was going to be a tight match. Despite giving away a few overthrows, Holmfirth fielded very well and made it difficult for Thongsbridge to find the gaps and score runs.

With 6 required from the last over, Lily and Frazer sought out every opportunity to score runs. Adding three in the final over, against some very fine Holmfirth bowling, saw Thongsbridge fall just two runs short. A fantastic effort by all, and only managing to lose three wickets against some very effective bowling was really encouraging.

Thongsbridge 268/3

Experiencing their first loss of the season provided Thongsbridge with some helpful reminders on how to continually develop their game, both with the bat and in the field. Nevertheless, all seemed to have fun and enjoy themselves on a warm June evening. For his determined efforts with the gloves, and fending off some quick bowling whilst batting, Frazer was the deserved recipient of the Player of the Match award.