General News
28 November, 2024
Total recall: Back for a final ball
FOR ONE brief, shining moment, Arnold cricket supporters thought they had got away from Saturday’s clash with Wedderburn Band with a miraculous tie. Wedderburn had scored the winning runs, handshakes had been exchanged and the stumps pulled from...
FOR ONE brief, shining moment, Arnold cricket supporters thought they had got away from Saturday’s clash with Wedderburn Band with a miraculous tie.
Wedderburn had scored the winning runs, handshakes had been exchanged and the stumps pulled from the ground as players wandered from the ground.
Then came the shouts from the scorers’ table: “There’s still one to win!”
Redback fans openly wondered if the game had been called with the teams tied on 107, but cooler heads prevailed, and the players returned to the field.
One ball later, one straight drive from Kade Walker and the match was really over.
Unbeaten Wedderburn made short work of Arnold’s 7-106 from 35 overs, which came on the back of solid batting performances from opener Heath Lock (40, including four boundaries and a six) and Michael Dale (23).
The Redback batsmen only really got hold of one Wedderburn bowler, Finn Turnbull, whose four overs cost 31 runs, although he picked up a wicket in his final over.
Isaac Holt, whose day would soon get even better, was outstanding with the ball, with 3-19 from seven overs.
The chase took just 13.1 overs, with Holt taking control after his side slumped to 3-34 after six overs.
Arnold captain Henry McCullough and opening bowler Campbell Hancock made the early breakthroughs, giving the Redbacks optimism that they could bowl out the Band.
But Holt and Walker came together in an unbroken 73-run partnership that swept away Arnold hopes.
Holt’s 53 not out included nine fours and two sixes, while Walker’s 30 not out provided excellent support.
Campbell’s two wickets were hard won, with his four overs costing 34 runs.
A rough and patchy outfield, plus the very hot weather, made fielding a struggle all day, but young Arnold player Georgia Hancock stood out with her determined chasing and strong arm.
Arnold has the bye this week, while Wedderburn travels to Kingower for a match between this season’s two outstanding teams.