A wonderful century by Waltham's
Paul Gearing was not quite enough to lead Waltham St
Lawrence Sunday XI to a victory but had it not been
for President Dave Railton's calmness at the end it
could have been all so different. In a timed game White
Waltham won the toss and with the classy Allen in fine
form and other opener Beard profiting from some loose
bowling they built up a useful early advantage.
Matt Nebbett was then rewarded for an excellent
opening spell with the wicket of Beard. However, Allen
continued at a rate of knots as Gearing came on to rip
out three wickets at the other end with a lethal spell
of fast swing bowling. Martin Perry also grabbed his
first WSL wicket before grabbing his hamstring as he
pulled up after only 3 overs. After 37 overs in the
sunshine White Waltham declared leaving WSL needing
235 for victory.
After a quick tea WSL set
off steadily in their quest for victory as Matt Connor
and Dan Owen put on 51 for the first wicket until Dan
Owen was well caught and bowled by Hencher attempting
another sweet drive. Next to the crease was Paul Gearing
who wasted no time in getting in smashing a series of
fours and constantly turning ones into twos to set Waltham
St Lawrence on course for what we all imagined would
be a victory.
Soon after reaching 50 he lost
partner Connor for 33 but Dave Jones came in and smashed
a quickfire 33 on his batting debut to keep the momentum
well and truly with the saints. Soon after, Gearing
reached his century to rapturous applause from his team
mates. However, when he was finally out for a magnificent
106 WSL only needed 25 for victory for 9 overs. Surely
a simple task?
Brown came and went without
troubling the scorers and Burge and Sharpe both went
cheaply. White Waltham, a dejected and downcast team
some 20 minutes earlier were suddenly buzzing again.
This was exacerbated further as Jones smashed a full
toss into the hands of Allen on the midwicket fence
and White Waltham were in the mix again. Don Rockell
joined "El presidente" David Railton but was
run out before facing a ball and suddenly the pressure
was on, especially as Rowe had just bowled a maiden.
With 8 needed from the last over Nebbett eked
3 runs with some positive movement between the wickets
and so came the final moment of an enthralling game.
With required 5 to win and 4 to tie David Railton coiled
his bat and smashed the last ball of the game for four
and WSL celebrated their participation in an excellent
game but one they should really have won. Congratulations
to Paul Gearing on a fabulous century and 3 wickets. |