On ascending to the summit of The Sports Centre to pitch number 5, perfect cricket weather awaited. The Blades were first to bat in this 20-over encounter. After a watchful start both openers soon got the score moving along, Richardson timing the ball sweetly to all parts of the ground, and Farmer gladly escorting a spot of filth safely over the ropes. Both openers duly retired, allowing Hunter to join the party by hitting one obscenely far before falling with the score 82-1 from 12 overs. Hurst and then Lowe departed shortly after but Whitear was on hand to keep the score ticking over with the help of some meaty hitting from Hamer late on, a respectable 132-4 posted by The Blades.
In reply NOCS found themselves 42-2 off of four high-octane overs – CRASH! A stunning Farmer catch! BANG! Great catch Whitear! WALLOP! Hodge punishes Farmer with a big six! WHAT A PICTURE! Hodge smashes Farmer even further. NOCS continued to score freely until Hodge retired in style lofting some badger feed into the minimalist pavilion and the introduction of the mercurial Terry. Another superb spell from the sping king supported by a lively few overs from Hurst was the catalyst for a gritty Blades fightback. A welcome return to bowling duties yielded a first ball wicket for Whitear whilst Meering bowled with expert control at the death, backed by good energy in the field epitomised by the tireless running of Chairman Whitear (junior) in his Blades debut. NOCS were feeling the pressure. In a tense final over, NOCS held their nerve to claim a hard fought victory from the penultimate ball.
JG
RESULT: NOCS WIN by 2 wickets
The Blades CC 