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Berkeley Hunt Home    Sunday 20th May 2001

Berkeley Hunt 171 for a lot in 40 overs. P.Ford 44. C.Maiden 25. D.Garrett 6 wickets.

Oldbury 175-9 in the 40th over. D.Garrett 55. B.Pearce 42. G.Porter 31.

Oldbury won by 1 wicket.

The sun shone and so did Derek Garrett as cricket returned to Vic's oval. The spectators were out in force - drawn either by the enthralling cricket or more likely a first, excellent cricket tea of the season.

Berkeley were pinned down from the start by tight bowling from Matt Pearce and Mike Knapp. Matt snapped up two wickets, one a smart catch by Jim Russell - his first of four. Striker Knapp should have had an early wicket but there was too big a gap between wicketkeeper Chris Bryant and first slip Ken Phelps - there just wasn't enough time to close it as the ball looped in the air for quite a few seconds! Yours! Striker soon notched his first of the season preferring to knock over the stumps rather than rely on others' hands.

The wickets kept tumbling and it was difficult to keep count, particularly once Derek started his magic spell. A magnificent HATRICK came in the middle of a 6 wicket haul with stumps flying everywhere. Berkeley limped to 171, with notable efforts from Pete Ford (44) and Chris Maiden (25).

Oldbury's reply started with a slow but steady father and son opening partnership from Matt and Bill Pearce. They blunted the experienced opening attack and laid a platform for others to follow. Bill continued in a familiar anchor role for 42, supported with typical dash from Gerald Porter (31 - his score not his age!). Then cometh that man again. Derek strode to the wicket and swung and swung and swung. The target had started to look challenging until his arrival at the crease, but his 55 took Oldbury within a hairs breadth of victory. It was a shame he fell at the last hurdle and the finish ws to be much closer than had seemed likely.

You can't keep a Ford down and Oldbury had two to contend with. Father and son, Pete and Zak, combined for one stumping and Zak went on to claim 3 late Oldbury wickets with hardly a run on the board. Stuck on 171, Oldbury needed only 1 to win but suddenly found themselves with their last pair at the crease. In stepped the 'Oldbury Pieman' Colin Johnson to loft the ball over the in-field to claim victory.

A very enjoyable day was spent with the sun on our backs, and a good evening with Derek's jugs in our bellies. Finally a big welcome to Andy Vaughan who played his first game for the club. And Nigel 'Wot Jug' Hopkins - we won't forget!

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