A powerful display from the 1sts brought home the 2008 Calverley Cup in spectacular fashion at a sodden Woodbank on Sunday. After the traditional Robin Hood breakfast, the teams assembled at a wet and dreary Woodbank; after some waiting to see if the skies would clear, the captains finally decided to get cracking in a 32 over contest.
Having won the toss, Totts skipper Doc P chose to bat, hoping to build on Saturday’s fine batting performance against the same opposition. The best laid plans and all that … within 3 overs Totts were 7-2 with two of Saturday’s batting heroes, Kieran and Big Bird back in the shed!! It was left to the skipper and Nelly B to take charge - and take charge they did, building an assured partnership despite heavy early pressure from a fired up Westleigh and their tremendous band of spectators. Both batsmen put away the bad balls well, although Nelly was fortunate to escape after a dropped catch in the outfield.
After a terrific partnership of 65, Doc fell to his first loose shot for 39, leaving Marshy to join Nelly with the score about 72-3. With only about 15 overs left, a score of 130 or so was on the cards; we felt this would be a good effort on a dreadful wicket, with a slow, damp outfield. Of course Nelly then seized command, smashing the ball all over, and with Marshy both stylish and bullish when called upon, the pair hammered the bowling to all corners, putting on 90 in no time to take the game out of reach.
One of the highlights of the day occurred in the final over! On Saturday Asif had been sent in in the final over to try and hit quick runs, only to perish first ball … with friends and family in attendance on Sunday, surely the same fate couldn’t befall him? No … the cheers were immense as his first ball disappeared into Woodbank school for a massive 6!!! Totts ended on 173-5, an imposing score against a demoralised Westleigh.
As with Saturday, the only way into the game for the underdogs was to produce a strong opening partnership, and for a few overs it seemed possible. But then Asif came good, with 4 wickets and a stunning run out of star man Lloydy. 15-0 had become 20-5 and it was effectively game over. Doc came on and picked up quick wickets to further turn the screw, and it was only a couple of lusty blows from Ralphy that got Westleigh up to the 50 mark. When Marshy finally took the last wicket with the rain falling steadily again, Totts had produced one of the most dominant final performances in years.
All credit to the Westleigh lads for their commitment and effort, and their fans were magnificent!
But it was a proud day for a very determined and skilful Totts side, who now are looking to get back up and reclaim 2nd spot …
Nelly B was a deserved man of the match for his 69 and 5 overs 1 for 1, but Asif’s 4-18, Doc’s 39 and 3-14 and Marshy’s superb 46 not out and steady bowling were all worthy of mention. The fielding was also excellent, with Clive having a superb game behind the sticks!