Yellowhammers

Martlets lost the toss and were inserted, thankfully by the Martlets team on the hottest day of the year/ever! The Yellowhammers toiled away but Ali Stanley (32) and Will Adkin (119) put on 89 for the first wicket. Will scored his hundred just before the lunch break and was then joined by Ben Whelpton (43) to put on 95 for the second wicket. Arran Aris (45), with youngsters Felix Horsham-Holt, Ed Nolan (who had three cousins playing for the opposition!) and Joe Pocklington, all hit boundaries as a declaration came. Harry Finch joined at the end to hit 15 off four balls in the 51^st over to enable the manager to declare and ensure a min of 46 overs could be bowled back.

In reply, the Yellowhammers were reduced to 42-3 at tea. Daniel Baptiste and Felix Holt bowling an almost unbroken spell to create the pressure and a welcome drinks break. As is always the case, the long Yellowhammers batting line up came out after tea to press on. Sixsmith (68) and Morgan (77) the main contributors before Bevan-Thomas (dropped twice early) blasted 97 off 54 balls before being run out, followed by Morgan the next ball. With the game very much in the balance until the last over, it was another exciting finish as the Martlets had six balls to win the game. Mark Trubshaw’s 15 overs of experienced off spin and 3 wickets helped get the Martlets into a position to win.

Another impressive lunch and tea at this famous school ground and a game which has become over time an annual last ball finish!