The Offley batting was slow, slow, slow. A youngster playing his first game was retired by the Offley coach as the game was dying on it's feet. Mackerness struggled to 10 and the skipper Kempton scored a valuable 20 not out. Hatfield put up a spirited performance in the field with great efforts from all of their young, mixed side.
Kempton (2 for 5), Mackerness (2 for 11), Swift (2 for 6) and Akmal (1 for 11) gave Offley real hope of an improbable victory. Hatfield were indebted to Gaz (Edge, I think) for his excellent 21 as the game edged towards it's conclusion. Offley bowled three successive maidens, which left the final over of the match with 1 run needed. Two wickets and two dot balls later, still no result. The fifth ball of the over produced a wide and a thrilling finale saw Hatfield past the post.
Who said low scoring games are dull!!!! |