Thrilling Last-Ball Tie Between Beverley CC And Fenner

Beverley Town and Fenner CC slugged out a thrilling, last-ball tie in their Newland Evening League clash at the Norwood Recreation Ground.

Fenner had looked to be cruising to victory heading into the last few overs as they chased Beverley’s stiff target of 138 off 13 overs. They went into the last over, to be bowled by third team captain Kieran O’Brian, needing seven to win with eight wickets in hand.

But nervous batting, some tight bowling from O’Brian (despite a couple of wides) and excellent work behind the stumps brought the equation down to two needed off the final ball.

O’Brian again kept it tight and more excellent fielding from the home side saw the Fenner batsman comortable run out going for a second and a humdinger of a tie ensued.

Beverley’s total owed a lot to some aggressive batting from the word go thanks to Ben and Rob Fish, who hit 26 and 22 respectively to keep Beverley’s run rate close to 10 an over.

When they fell Ian Gillyon took up the slack and relishing anything full and straight he powered to an excellent 38, including a classical straight drive for six before he was out off the last ball of the innings. He was helped towards the end by Phil Duboulay (23) and Rich Simpson (13no).

A target of 139 could be tackled two ways – set your stall out to go for it, ot keep wickets in hand. Fenner chose the second.

Despite excellent bowling from Jamie Roe, Matt Mudd and Ian Goforth, Fenner manouevered themselves into a position from which, with wickets in hand, they shouldn’t have been able to lose.

However, great intensity from Beverley and that final over from O’Brian ensured the points were shared.