An extraordinary fightback from the Blackheath tailenders led by youngster Archie Jones saw the 2nd XI snatch victory against Tilford last night at Blackheath, and with it promotion to I’Anson Division 2 next season.
After the recent announcement that an extra promotion place was available, and a great run from the 2s in recent weeks, the season all came down to yesterday’s match with both ourselves and Tilford chasing the victory both sides needed to secure the last spot.
Having dismissed an experienced Tilford batting side for a modest 122 from 42 overs thanks to some very tight bowling from Oscar Gilliam (1 for 12 from 9) and Simon Mansell (2 for 17 from 9) and critical late wickets from Ben Stefanik (4 for 24 from 9), at tea Blackheath appeared well in command. But Tilford had other ideas, and superbly a controlled spell from Martin Knott (5 for 11 from 9), who was well supported by the other Tilford bowlers, soon had us on the back foot. When after 25 overs our last recognised batsman, Charlie Rooken-Smith, was very well caught by Knott at backward point for 25, we were staring defeat in the face at 61 for 8.
But Archie Jones – whose heroics with the ball last year memorably saw us snatch victory at Valley End in the National Village Cup – came in at 10 with other ideas. Showing a maturity beyond his years, he carefully defended the good balls whilst dispatching anything loose, and he and Oscar Gilliam added 20 for the ninth wicket.
A rush of blood then saw Oscar stumped with us still needing another 40 for victory and just one wicket left. But we were not done yet. Skipper Simon Mansell joined Archie at the crease, in his final innings as 2nd XI captain, with a point to prove. The two of them stayed resolute in defence whilst attacking at any opportunity, and slowly but surely the total crept towards the target. Tilford nerves began to show as it dawned on them that a game which had seemed in the bag might be about to slip away, and to vocal encouragement from the considerable crowd, smart running between the wickets finally got us within two of the Tilford total with a couple of overs left. The field was then brought in and Archie duly administered the coup de grace by swatting the ball over mid-on for four, finishing on 43 not out with Simon on 15.
Many congratulations to the whole team on a fabulous conclusion to a tremendous league season. Both the 1st XI and 3rd XI had rather more mixed seasons, both finishing mid-table, but also put in some great performances during the summer. A full end of season round-up will follow after next Sunday’s Stevens Cup final at Woodbridge Road in Guildford. Please do come along to support the team for that one if you can!
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