Haverhill Cricket Club

Haverhill Go to top of Division 3 with another great team effort

Haverhill won the toss on what looked like a green-top wicket and decided to bowl first. R Sullivan (12-2-46-0) struggled to find his line early with a swinging ball and D Poole (5-0-24-0) struggled with his length early. With both bowlers not tempting the batsmen into many false stokes Ipswich got off to a flying start. 0-138.

D Poole broke the opening partnership when A Gooding decided on a second run when Dan collected the ball quickly and with an accurate throw from � to the boundary run-out Gooding for 64.

J Woodley (16-1-80-2) was introduced to the attach with unfortunate stats early and late in his long spell but bowled well through the middle only costing 12 runs from 5 overs and claiming the other opening batsmen.

A Dellar (5-0-29-0) delivered a controlled spell but was not assisted by a pitch with very little turn for the off spinner.

S Youngs (7-1-41-3) bowled within himself, conserving energy for later in the day, he maintained pressure and varied his line and length well to capture three of the middle order wickets, critical to stopping the flow of runs.

Opening Batsmen S Youngs (95 Not Out) and N Winter (67) put Ipswich under pressure as Haverhill reached 100 runs within 20 overs faced. An outstanding opening partnership of 105 between them before N Winter departed.

A Dellar (35) arrived at the crease and played with great timing with at one stage having three fours to three consecutive scoring shots. A Dellar was unfortunately ruled LBW from what was thought to be high on the thigh.

M Wilkins (12) moved the ball about from the first ball and rotated the strike effectively back to the inform Youngs. Forming a partnership of 39 runs, which would be crucial to the finale.

The finale involved, the new straight hitting, D Wilkins, Haverhill needed 10 runs from the last over to win. After Martins departure it was up to his brother to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and he did so with a cracking flat drive back over the bowlers (Bell 13-1-36-6) head for six runs. S Youngs finished it off with a delightful pull over mid wicket for 4 runs.

With our backs against the wall, we kept plugging away, we kept fighting for each run, we kept our cool while on the field when we were chasing leather and we brought Ipswich back from an explosive opening partnership of 138 that at one stage we were looking at chasing 270-280. Testament to an attitude that we are fostering at Haverhill. Don�t give up, don�t give em a sniff.

What a ripper of a final over. D Wilkins pulls out the shot of the game first ball of the last over. A flat hit six that rocketed to the boundary followed by an explosion of applause from the boundary. Ipswich is still wondering what they could have done differently to win it.

A run-chase that was superbly executed and managed by one player, one of the best knocks I have seen from Simon Youngs (95 Not Out from 54 scoring shots). He was the glue that held the batting order together with strong support and contributions from N Winter, M Wilkins, A Dellar and the swashbuckling pirate first class Dan Wilkins. Arrgh me matey.

I think this column goes down as one of the positive reports. Let there be many more. Well done gents and thanks to the supporters for travelling to Ipswich.