2nd XI vs Hutton CC, 2nd XI

Shenfield 2’s Lose another thriller in more last ball drama………….

Shenfield’s 2XI travelled to local rivals Hutton to continue their division 1 campaign that has found itself rapidly approaching the half way stage.

Having lost the previous week off the very last ball of the game, Shenfield were keen to put that disappointment and agony behind them, and come away with a win. In lieu of a win, Shenfield would have also taken any result as long as it wasn’t determined off the last ball – but with the sun out and a strong side – Shenfield were keen to get going.

Hutton won the toss and elected to bowl, forgetting one of the first rules of cricket ‘when it’s hot you bat’ and so Martin Allen & in the in-form Joe Massie started off Shenfield’s innings. For some unknown reason Massie decided against taking first ball of the day, but all was well and Shenfield got themselves off to a cautious start nullifying any early nerves. 

Despite Massie taking one opener out of the attack with some trademark cover boundary hitting, Hutton bowled very tidily and began to apply some pressure. A chance was eventually held at slip in the 13^th over and Joe had to depart for 31 with the score at 41. 

Hutton’s bowling changes continued to limit Shenfield’s scoring, bowling in good areas and using the assistance in the pitch. Despite this, Allen and Joey Newbould (29) accumulated a 93 run partnership. Joey fell sweeping in the first over after the final drinks break with the score at 134-2. Woods joined Allen at the crease, and with 16 overs remaining Shenfield attempted to up the rate. Unfortunately, and also incredibly rarely, it wasn’t Woodsy’ s day as he was bowled by a slower ball for 2; showing us that he may in fact be at least part human.

Clarke (6) and Bear (4) both followed shortly after as Hutton held their catches whilst their overseas player’s day just seemed to get better and better. At 164-5 and into the last 7 overs of the innings, Shenfield needed a late burst to build a competitive total. However, just as he looked to get on the aggressive, Allen was taken by a magnificent one handed grab on the line. Allen’s purple patch continued as he finished up with a healthy 74 runs to add to this seasons tally, and in doing so take him over the 8,000 run mark for Shenfield. Martin now holds the coveted double record of most runs scored & most miles driven to matches. No small feat indeed, even for a legend of the club. 

Captain Salisbury provided some brief resistance before he was bowled for 14, albeit unbeknownst to him. Opening bowlers Borman and Dunleavy partnered up at the crease to put on 23 to get Shenfield the maximum 8 points. Shenfield eventually ended their innings on 207-8. Something to bowl at, but feeling rather light having been 130-2.

The shoe was on the other foot this week as Shenfield’s defence started in the best possible manner as Dunleavy (1-35) snicked off their opener on the very first ball of the innings for a golden. His opening partner Borman (2-37) swung the screw from the other end removing the dangerous overseas opener for just 16 with a smart catch from Bear. With the score at 34-2, Shenfield were on the attack and the game seemed evenly poised. Momentum drifted away from the visiting side briefly as Hutton’s number 3 and 4 put on nearly 60, but their partnership was ended with a trusty full toss from Clarke (3-36) and a rare snare from Borman off the ground at midwicket. The Hutton skipper came and went in quick time thanks to an excellent ripping delivery from Cockerell (1-28) to leave Hutton struggling at 4 down, but as so often in cricket a 40 run partnership steadied the ship for them somewhat.

With one Hutton batter looking particularly dangerous, Clarke was struck by disbelief when his second LBW appeal was adjudged as going under the stumps against him. Luckily for Shenfield, the non-striker nearly froze through shock at the aforementioned decision, and so couldn’t get home for the leg bye – Mad Dog registering his first run out since 2014.

135-5 became 151-8 very quickly as Clarke removed the next bat for a golden, the dangerous Hutton number 4 for 57 – thanks to a swirling catch from Bear, and then Borman returned to dismiss Hutton’s number 9. 

Whilst WinViz was still very much in Shenfield’s favour, Hutton refused to heed the wise words of Cheryl Cole and bat for the draw. As Shenfield went on the attack with men round the bat, the Hutton number 8 continued to swing and connect towards the short boundary. Allen took a good catch at slip diving forward off the bowling of Ovenden to leave Hutton requiring 37 to win with one wicket in hand, but Hutton’s danger man remained on 17*.

Unfortunately for Shenfield, a few fell just shy of the close fielders and a difficult grab was just spilled in the deep as Hutton kept targeting the short boundary. Somehow, Shenfield found themselves in a déjà vu situation with Hutton needing 11 off the last over and Shenfield needing one wicket. All of a sudden a hefty crowd had appeared at the Polo fields, with many 1^st XI players coming to watch post-match – an eerie hush lingered as Massie was thrown the ball.

 2 dots to start the over were followed by a 6 another dot and a 4 to leave Hutton requiring 1 off the last. Despite Joe jokingly attempting the Mankad on the last delivery the Hutton number 8 managed to find the gap to hit the last ball for 4, credit to him finishing 61*.

Jubilation for Hutton, despair for Shenfield. Another game going right down to the wire, and another game Shenfield came out just on the wrong side. Nevertheless, a great game and a far improved performance from the Rhythm and Blues against strong opposition and so lots of positives to take. As Shenfield go round the bend, they’ll look to hopefully be able to close out these situations and find ourselves higher up the table.

JSB