BORIS ROLLS BACK THE YEARS IN LAST BALL THRILLER

Match report courtesy of the CDO!

On a glorious day with the outfield as fast as it has ever been – skipper Kieran lost the toss. With Westleigh at 50-odd for no loss after 7 overs and half the bowling attack missing, Tottington were looking at a long long day in the meadows. However, they managed to claw it back with some tight bowling from Nick Marsh and Asif Iqbal. The game swung from side to side all afternoon and the West Leigh middle order rallied before Stephen Brooks became the youngest TSJCC 1st Team wicket taking bowler and Ryan Marsh caught what seemed a very unlikely steeplejack of a catch (after also managing a direct hit to run out a well set batter). Mention must also be made of 'superman' Rob Holt as he turned his arm in a very tidy spell. Westleigh were all out for 194.

What was called for was application – and we had that (on paper) in bucketloads with Kieran and Duncan taking to crease. However they both put bat to ball in an opening stand of 70-odd at around 5 per over which set the foundation. Duncan went on to get 65 and despite a minor blip of losing 3 quick wickets the middle order of Craig Parkinson (18), Richard Peacock (21), Nick Marsh (21) and Clive Brooks (12) kept up with the run rate so that the final delivery needed only one for victory. The ball went down the leg side and superman flew home for Totty to win by two wickets.

After losing in the last over the week before, this came as a massive relief, and our genuine sympathies were with Westleigh.