Whether it can be attributed to World Cup induced late nights or an irrepressible pining for leather on willow, Hill’s prospects improved immeasurably overnight: with just 9 players by bedtime on Friday evening, who could have foreseen needing to stand down a 12th man on Saturday morning? Despite a potentially rust inducing week off last time out, Hill’s hosts languished at the foot of the table going into the clash. However, Hill enjoyed two evenly matched contests during their maiden season in the Surrey Downs League, so they could ill-afford to write off their opposition.
Chipperton elected to bowl at the toss and inserted the hosts; the ring-fenced ground in the rural surroundings of Redhill had a unique charm to it, but a defective lawn mower and mixed weather meant that it might prove to be a low scoring affair. Jones was unlucky not to draw blood in the first over, as Rolfe spilled an early chance and Chipperton was unable to rescue it at first slip. The reprieved player went on to top score, but a disciplined and relentless bowling display from the visiting attack skittled the hosts for just 70 all out in 28.2 overs.
Jones and Ransom combined to dismantle the innings with precision and control; the innings never truly settled after early breakthroughs left the top order under pressure throughout. The former also seemed to be holding his own catch of the day competition, with the clear winner his instinctive grab at slip using every inch of his towering frame! Subramanium also chipped in with a couple of lower-order wickets before Ransom ended the stubborn final wicket partnership to claim his fourth victim. With only two players reaching double figures, it remained to see if the score would prove to be beyond Hill’s grasp.
Chasing 71 should have been straightforward, but the hosts fought back superbly with the ball, turning the match into a genuine contest. At 23–4 – with Newcomen, McLean, Srivastava and Radcox back in the hutch (the latter apparently taking an unhealthy interest in the drop offered by the balcony to the ground below) – the hosts sensed a remarkable comeback. Ransom’s arrival at the crease was intended to quell the embers of a comeback, but these were fanned into flames when he inadvertently chopped on and couldn’t prevent the ball trickling back to dislodge his bails.
Rolfe was bowled shortly afterwards and this meant that Subramanium’s planned early departure in order to attend birthday celebrations needed to put on hold; he joined the captain at the crease at 35-6 with much work still to be done. With calm heads the order of the day, the inevitable near run out quickly followed! However, they managed to successfully ride out the storm and steer Hill safely to victory without further loss.
Player of the match – Sponsored by Nicholls Residential = Will Chipperton
Park Hill Cricket Club 