A trip down memory lane from a Park Hill league match against Sutton, back in May 2008….
Sutton won the toss and elected to bat, committing Park Hill to an afternoon in the field, with the sun beating down and the temperatures in the late twenties.
The Hill bowling attack on Barford, Sterling, Ghani and the returning Spelling and Andrews, managed to restrict Sutton effectively. Ghani (3/33) bowled particularly well and was ably supported by Andrews (2/46) who frustrated the Sutton.
With some sharp catches from Eades, Cozens (yes, he is back!) and all-rounder Ghani, The Hill kept Sutton to a total of 199 – which they largely achieved due to a patient 57 from Liddiard and some very late, yet explosive hitting, from young Smith (26n.o.).
After a much-needed tea break Park Hill set about chasing the total with Eades and (returning) Skipper Mark Goldsmith (35) solidly opening the batting.
The main stand of the day came from Ghani (25) and Sterling (70) who attacked Sutton’s bowling in their usual (winter-net) fashion. Sixes were plentiful as they took the score towards the target, with Ghani unfortunately falling when Park Hill had got into the 130’s.
Matthews joined Sterling, although the partnership was shortlived, with ‘Chaza’ falling soon after, leaving Matthews with the task of leading the batting home.
The left-hander soon upped the run-rate through fours to long-off and square-leg and took The Hill to the brink of victory . . only for disaster to strike (in true Park Hill fashion).
It’s the last over, only three runs are required . . it should be simple, but no!
Matthews pulls his shoulder on the very first ball, tries a lofted drive on the second ball (only to hole-our at mid-on), leaving ‘Smudger’ (Andy Smith to any new-comers) on strike to reach the total.
The rest was history, Park Hill did not make the runs and, well, that was that.
Park Hill Cricket Club 