After a season of cat and mouse-based pursuit, a victory for Hill against all-conquering Sutton would cement the league title. One could be forgiven for thinking that a cagey affair would ensue, with so much on the line. Another interesting angle on the day was provided by stand-in umpire Mark Goldsmith – a man with ties to both clubs!
The visiting side lost the toss and were tasked with setting a total – much of the blueprint of Hill’s recent success has been built upon successful chases, so they took to the field with confidence and a clear game plan in mind. Mackay travelled back for the big game and was tossed the new cherry, meanwhile Smith at the other end would ensure that the Sutton openers would need to remain viligant. The former struck first and managed to get one opener to edge to a gleeful Stupples – who deservedly or otherwise was later labelled a prick his dot ball totting up and sledging endeavours. Smith removed the remaining opener who looked offended to have been given LBW by Goldsmith, despite having attempted an almighty waft across the line to a straight delivery.
Often fabled for his lightening reflexes off his own bowling, Smith took a simple caught and bowled opportunity to restrict the visiting side to 22-3 in what certainly constituted a pleasing opening 10 overs from the Hillians on the field. The fourth wicket partnership rallied and took a liking to Jacobs, who had replaced Mackay. It took the wily Subramanium and Stupples’ glovework to break their resistance, the latter giving the batsman some fiery parting words: “not bad, for a prick, eh?!” The same pair combined once more latter in the over to leave Sutton 5 down.
Hill had fielded tidily to date, but Hopkins steamed in from long-on and looked to be on a collision course with Vithalani – who was bearing down on Hopkins from long-off! Having made up the ground, Hopkins held on to the catch and avoided the inevitable collision to leave Sutton reeling on 104-6. The remaining 4 wickets fell for 4 runs as the tale failed to wag. Subramanium, relishing the role of being 3rd change, picked up 4 for 27 in his crucial spell, meanwhile Mackay re-entered the attack and picked up another wicket and a run out to dismiss the visitors for 108 inside 33 overs.
Suffice to say that Hill’s bowling performance exceeded expectations, but they caught well and kept extras to a minimum. Vithalani, soon to depart these shores to new surroundings in Germany, was promoted and instructed to ‘Chiragball’ Hill to victory. Always easy on the eye, he immediately took the attack to the Sutton bowlers who had no alternative but to aggressively chase early wickets. Throwing caution to the wind, Vithalani found the rope at regular intervals and was capably supported by Stupples at the other end, who still harboured resentment at the questioning of his integrity earlier in the game and was copping some heat for his Staffordshire send off earlier in the game. Vithalani raced to a brisk 50 and basked in the applause of his grateful team mates, as he steered Hill to with 19 runs of victory before falling.
In the spirit of keeping things interesting, Stupples was trapped LBW with 18 required and this entrusted Mackay and Srivastava with the task of getting Hill over the line. The former brought up the victory in customary fashion by finding the rope to seal Hill’s convincing 8 wicket victory. The celebrations were understated given Hill fought off their stiffest opposition with 18 overs to spare, but a hitherto undefeated league campaign meant they were worthy league champions. Sutton were gracious in defeat and effusive in their praise of Hill; a potential meeting in the Division 4 Cup potentially awaits, in which they will undoubtedly wish to give a better account of themselves.
Player of the match – Sponsored by Nicholls Residential = Chirag Vithalani
Park Hill Cricket Club 