Mayfield

Martlets lose thriller off final ball of the match

A glorious afternoon awaited us at Mayfield this year, a fixture that is fast becoming the jewel in the crown for those involved in the ‘Deggsy Jazz XI’ managed fixtures.

As both skippers and umpires strode out to toss we decided on a 40/40 format as both teams keen on a result driven game and more importantly getting all 22 players involved.

The toss was won by Martlets stand in skipper Freano who duly elected to bat favouring runs on the board rather than the scoreboard pressure of a late afternoon run chase. Also having sized up the opposition team they looked young, fresh and exuberant which suggested they needed to be put into field first!

The Martlets team assembled by Deggsy was blessed with both youth and experience in equal measure boasting genuine talent in all departments yet due to a late dropout lacking a genuine ‘keeper. The stand in skipper had offered initially but gleefully passed off this responsibility in the pre-game briefing.

Mayfield’s opening bowlers bowled a tight line and both Pullen brothers opening up had difficulty in getting the ball away and inevitably as frustration built the wicket of Toby went cheaply and after 10 overs we had raced to a spritely 12/1, not the sort of power play power hitting we are used to in the modern game.

The first and second changer bowlers brought some light relief, Ben Pullen cashing in before being removed for 18, we then marched to a slightly better position of 72/2 at 20 overs drinks, thankfully the run rate had increased to a more pleasing figure but still with plenty of work to be done.

Olly Bradley has just come to the crease and proceeded to take the game to Mayfield bowlers. Assisted and admired from the other end by both Nick Ratcliffe (8) and then Mike Loveday (9 )he sped up the rate as best he could, a late cameo from Nick Beechy (35) pushed the scoreboard even further and by the climax we had swelled to a more respectable 196-5. In truth, the innings had unfortunately lacked real fluidity and although it felt a competitive total we would need to bowl very well to restrict the Mayfield batsmen on what felt like a pretty decent track.

Opening up we had great spells from both Jordan Shaw and Darryl Rebbetts with little to no reward for the hard work endeavoured. Toby Pullen behind the sticks took a good catch to remove their No. 2 for 7 off Darryl’s bowling. Folks… Toby Pullen is actually a pretty decent gloveman for future reference!

Olly Bradley and Mayfield youngster Steve Harman came on as first and second change, Bradley removing Mayfield skipper Rob Raymond for 45 caught at deep square after a gentle suggestion from the skipper that Raymond was not really timing the short ball all that well, next ball duly dropped slightly short of a length brought the reward with a mildly unconvincing but well held catch in the deep by Ben Jackson.

Batsmen 3 and 4 for Mayfield looked comfortable and both were eventually retired out by their skipper to give others a chance to wield the willow and keep the game and run chase alive.

Further tight bowling from off spinning Ben Jackson and return spells for Jordan, Darryl and Olly helped take the game to the final over with 4 required. Scores level after 3 balls, up stepped 14 year old B.Kirkland for Mayfield, 3 balls 1 to win and the field closed in, 2 dots later and we are down to the last delivery, still 1 to win, what a nail biter. However a decent delivery from Bradley was very soundly clipped into the offside for a quick but comfortable single to win the game, a great moment for the youngster and he was rightly praised for holding his nerve!

In summary, a lovely afternoon was spent as guests of Mayfield CC, a hugely welcoming and friendly club that put on a great tea and two jugs of lager delivered to the dressing room post game.

Mayfield have a huge game coming up this Sunday and we wish them the best of luck against Liphook & Ripsey CC in the semi final of the National Village Cup.

Man of the Match, Olly Bradley for his 79* off 74 balls and figures of 8 – 1 – 31 – 2

I have been reliably informed that Deggsy will resume his match day skippering duties next year just as long as Angelina is happy to release him for the day.

Robin Frean

On field Match Manager

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