TOM'S TON IN VAIN
19/07/04: Tom Carter's magnificent century was not enough as Elvaston edged out the OLCC in a thrilling last-ball finish.
Carter's 111 helped the OLs to 205 for six from their 40 overs, a total that was passed by Elvaston on the very last ball of the match to give the hosts a one-wicket victory.
Having been asked to bat, the OLCC got off to a flying start courtesy of Carter and Charles Allan, the pair smashing 58 from the first eight overs. But with a further 21 runs added and both batsmen looking set, Allan (17) was run out responding to Carter's call for a quick single.
Jon Shingles came in to keep Carter company as he eased his way past 50, but the skipper had scored only five when he ballooned a catch to square leg with the total on 118 in the 25th over.
Paul Newell Price was next to go, bowled by a double bouncer after a breezy cameo of 12, but Ed Carter offered brother Tom good support as he approached his century. Finally it was the last of Tom's 16 fours that brought up his milestone hundred, but after a fourth mighty six he departed stumped for a superb 111.
Ed Carter (18) and John Acland-Hood (1) then perished in the chase for late runs but the OLs passed the 200 mark and achieved a respectable 205-6 from their 40 overs, Chris Straw and Graham Carter unbeaten on six not out at the close of the innings.
After a fine tea, Ed Carter struck in his first over by bowling Archer for a duck and accounted for Bull in similar fashion in his second, leaving the hosts on 14 for two.
Elvaston rallied through Condon (24) and Archer (35) but after both men fell to Richard Newell Price their innings was back in the balance at 93 for four. Another recovery, through Yaxley (28) and Mills (26), added 51 for the fifth wicket but the latter was superbly stumped by Allan off Jon Shingles then Tom Carter struck with two wickets in two balls, clean bowling both Yaxley and Lillie.
By now the OLs had the upper hand even though the hosts remained up with the run rate and when Allan and Paul Newell Price combined to run out Waldron (3) a victory looked likely.
But Elvaston skipper Kettlewell (30*), aided by Mugford (14) then Fox (6*), kept his nerve and with two runs needed from the last ball, bowled by Paul Newell Price, a deft cut for four settled a thrilling encounter.
Links: