Frocester Fayre K.O. Cup

Oldlands win the Frocester Fayre Cup 2011

Following the abandonment of last weeks match, when they were very well placed, Oldlands returned to Painswick on Friday to once again win the toss and elect to bat. This time round, however, their start was nothing short of disastrous with key batsmen Sean Rocke, Steve Heaven and Mike Colborn all back in the pavilion with only 8 runs on the board. This soon became 23 for 4 with the loss of Rob Frost, but this Oldlands side, however, are a resilient outfit and have the character to maintain their belief throughout a period of adversity and to turn around what may appear to be a desperate situation. This was the case in this thrilling final with stalwart Brad Thomas (27) leading the way in repairing the early carnage with a battling innings. A partnership with first Doug Walton (26), whose innings included 3 huge 6's and then Olli Halford (20), with two 6's that were the equal of his team mates, started to generate some momentum that was ultimately continued into the final over. With Thomas caught on the long-on boundary at the end of the penultimate over, Nathan Freeman(16) then strode confidently to the crease and stylishly drive the first two deliveries for 4 and 6. Supported by some electric running from Dave Brookes, the pair eventually reaped 22 from this final over from the unfortunate Richard Harvey, taking their side to an impressive total of 128 that had seemed totally out of reach less than an hour previously. Mike Alley was the pick of the A&C bowlers, taking 3 for 21 from his 5 overs. The A&C reply then also got off to a poor start with Mike Colborn trapping Lloyd Price plump in front with the first ball of the innings. Stewart Hudd and John Clark then looked in little trouble, though, as they moved the score comfortably on to 47 to set up what was looking to be a winning position. The O's were now in desperate need of a wicket and this duly arrived courtesy of a brilliant leg-side catch from Frost off the bowling of Steve Pennington to dismiss Clark (12). Three further quick wickets soon followed, another for Pennington (2 for 25 from 5 overs) and 2 for Brookes (2 for 25 from 4 overs) to turn the game once more in Oldlands' favour. Another twist in this fascinating game was about to unfold, however, as Alley joined Hudd in a partnership that soon threatened to drag the game back for A&C. With a tense and pressurised finish looming, Dave Walton (3 for 23 from 4 overs) bowled the impressive Hudd (54) and had Alley (28) caught by Thomas to wrestle back the initiative once again. Halford (1 for 11 from 2 overs) and Walton then bowled the final 3 overs at the death with excellent control to close out the game and secure a quite thrilling victory. This was a quite excellent final, played in a great spirit, with the greater strength in depth of the Oldlands side ultimately proving to be the decisive factor. Thanks go to sponsor John Hawkins of Frocester Fayre, the Painswick club who were excellent hosts and to umpires Phil and John and Dave Howell from SDCA for the organisation of a superb competition.