'Ripper' of a games see home side lose by 1 run

What a corker of a game. Haverhill won the toss and without opening batsmen Simon Youngs and All rounder Martin Wilkins skipper Rob Sullivan decided to bowl first.

A wet wicket provided little assistance to the opening bowlers Rob Sullivan (11-5-32-1) and Mark Radford, they did bowl well and a few early dropped catches provided Tuddenham with a fair opening stand until M Radford (15-2-78-3) got the breakthrough with a superb off cutter and then followed it up with a LBW claiming both of the openers. A superb piece of outfielding by Dan Poole ran out D.Cross (27) who had looked very dangerous early on. A great outfield catch to Adam Dellar off of Joe Woodley (6-0-46-3) and a few more difficult chances went begging. Adam Dellar’s (10.3-2-32-2) off spin cleaned out the tail and provided much needed pressure to the middle order of Tuddenham.

Tuddenham all out for 192

Haverhill looked sharp in the filed however the catching, in trying circumstances, would prove to be one of the contributing factors to the games outcome.

Haverhill opening batsmen Neil Winter (11) and Dave Godwin (49) provided the initial resistance to some good bowling from James McKinney (17-1-69-2) and A Singelton (11.4-1-50-3). Dave Godwin’s innings was the best he has played to date with patience being his main tool of the trade and dispatching the poor delivery with ease, a superb well timed innings. Adam Dellar (0) unfortunately provided the umpire the opportunity to get involved when struck high on the thigh playing well forward he was declared LBW, an interesting decision if we where playing on a dust bowl and the batsmen played from his crease. Greg Street (19) once again got a start but didn’t go on with it. A couple of fine strokes but a lapse in concentration once again provided the umpires a chance to play their hand. D Wilkins (10) also ruled LBW tried to turn a ball down leg side.

The innings of the day belonged to Dan Poole (52 N.O) who arrived at the crease with Haverhill in real trouble at 6 for 100.He provided the dogged tenacity, stroke play and courage required to bring Haverhill within sight of the winning post. A timely and quick hit 22 from skipper Rob Sullivan, including a long off drive for six brought the team within even closer proximity to the win but it was not to be. The Aussies blood was too thin and went straight to his head and departed next ball off of a thick inside edge. With a dreadful late run-out to Joe Woodley and Mark Radfords gallant attempt to win the game in style only leaving his off stump open to the elements Haverhill fell one run short of the draw and two runs away from victory.

Haverhill All-Out for 191

Captain Says:

A ripper of a game that once again provided the impetus for why I play the game and why skippering can be extremely satisfying, even when you don’t win. Early on in the game we looked as though we would be chasing 230-240. With tight bowling, good fielding and that never die attitude we tied them down to 192. While batting we looked well behind the run rate, we didn’t have the usual depth of batting, we had suffered a couple of poor decisions, the track was getting slower and lower but you know what, we still didn’t give in. We fought until there was nothing left. We fought for every run, we took the body blows and we pushed the opposition as far as we could. We took risks, some worked some didn’t. But you never just let a game take its course. You must drive it to a conclusion hopefully in your favour.

I was asked a number of times after the game how shattered I must feel to lose such a close game. I wasn’t shattered, far from it. But sometimes people just don’t get it. The lads really put in, they struggled, they fought, they applied themselves 110% to get us over the line. Sure we had a couple of guys who failed on the day, but they still gave 110% with a bat or ball or in the field. That’s all you can ask of the side that took the field and as far as I am concerned all of the players did just that.

Sure I was a little deflated immediately after the game, but that lasted about 5 seconds, I was so pleased that under pressure we fought and didn’t fold. What an achievement.

I tell you what though, I would have been as made as a bag of cut snakes if we had rolled over and been bowled out for 100. Now that’s when I hit the roof. We will be stronger for having played this game. Thanks Tuddenham for a ripper.

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