EXCITING END AS PRESIDENT’s TEAM WIN

A half-century from Richard Waddell and 3 wickets apiece from Martin Alcock and Matt Rushton were the highlights as the President's team achieved a narrow 4-run win over the Chairman's team in Great Melton's traditional end-of-season match. Waddell's unbeaten 58 plus 40 from Johnny Howard and 23 from Chris McKay helped the President's XI to total 179-8 from their 30 overs. For Chairman Simon Woods' team the wickets were shared around with 2 each for Aidan Button (2-37) and Iain Nichols (2-17) plus an impressive 3-over spell from the youngest player, Olly Marshall (1-13).

In reply the Chairman's XI started well with Matt Clarke, Martyn Cook and Kyle Weston all retiring having scored 30. At 102-2 they looked poised for a comfortable victory. The run rate slowed a bit but a steady 17 from Marshall and 24 from Mark Newbould took them past 150. However an inspired maiden over from Martin Alcock saw the wickets of Marshall, Woods and Matty Robinson fall within 4 balls. Howard (2.5-0-13-2) and Rushton (3-0-24-3) then removed Newbould, Button, Nichols and the returning Clarke (for 36) to set up an exciting finish. Needing 6 to win off the last 2 overs and with returning batsmen Cook (40) and Weston (34) at the wicket, the Chairman's team fell short as Weston was superbly caught by Angus Holt on the long-off boundary. An exciting end to an excellent contest rounded off with a traditional cricket tea provided by the President's wife, Celia Phoenix.

Full scoreboard can be viewed on Play-Cricket: https://greatmelton.play-cricket.com/website/results/6656193