2nd XI - A final ball thriller

Horton turned up to Denton raring to go and to put on a good performance for the home ground.

A game everyone knew would have a big hand to play in the relegation battle.

Horton lost the toss and were put into the field.

An excellent opening spell from Tom Knibbs (as always) put Podington under pressure early. Neither opener looking comfortable against Tom or Vishal Mistry. Tom removed the opposition captain for the first wicket, the second time he has dismissed him this year. Dan Robinson and Ben Jordan came on to try and apply more pressure as they often do, unfortunately Podington's number 3 Ian Hart took a liking to the latter. Reaching 70 in quick time.

Horton kept pushing as well as Podington, momentum swinging both ways. In need of a wicket we turned to James Redding, he then bowled a peach of a delivery which when taking the off stump was that good it even kept him quiet (For about 2 seconds). Some late hitting got Podington to a score off 224 but could of been 10-20 runs more if it wasn't for a superb one handed Odell Beckham like catch from Dan Robinson on the boundary.

As Horton sat down to eat tea we were confident but nervous.

Ryan Turner and Riz Alam set about the run chase. Blasting runs left right and centre, Podington looked confused, their bowling was being taken apart. We were up with the run rate, no wicket lost as Ryan reached his 50. Podington brought on there spinner who in his first over got Ryan out. This brought the man in form Kiron Das to the crease who set about building a partnership with Riz.

Unfortunately both spinners for Podington did some damage taking 3 wickets in quick time. We slowly fell behind the run rate. Temoor Alam walked out to the middle and decided to cart the bowlers to all areas of the ground. Giving us hope once again we could win this game.

When Temoor fell for 44 the game was on a knife edge. Runs were flowing but wickets were being lost at the same time.

It came down to the last over, 1 wicket remaining, 9 runs required. 5 runs gained from the first 5 balls. 4 needed off the last. Last ball, bat on ball and we set off running. 2 runs completed, 1 needed to draw, the ball in the keepers hand. He looked confused and decided to throw to the bowlers end.

Unfortunately narrowly running us out and winning the game for Podington.

It was a shame to lose such a close game but for those who have been following us all this year will know to score 223 is a vast improvement on earlier results.

We are not relegated yet, 2 wins from the last 2 wins puts us in a great chance to stay up. First game of those 2 is this week against ON's at Raunds CC. Keep on going lads, push right to the end!