Tight match decided in penultimate over

Olton Sunday 2nd XI, fielding a side with several members not in the first flush of youth (estimates of average age by email please), enjoyed a pleasing win over Attock in a tight match.

Despite rain just before the start, the match got under way more or less on time. Bowling first, Olton were comfortable for the early part of the innings, with Steve du Cros generating some good pace on a hard but easy-paced wicket, and Matt Ceillam battling impressively to maintain a tight line. The fielding was good for the most part, with Matt Ceillam and Al George to the fore. Paver spoiled all that by dropping a sitter off Ceillam, before making partial amends by taking a diving catch off his own bowling (rumours that the dive came after the catch should surely be discounted, as should rumours of a large dent in the wicket).

Despite the occasional outburst of slogging, Attock were largely shackled in the middle part of the innings too, with James Eaton inducing a mix of groping forward defensives and colossal wipes from the more experienced batsman in a tantalising spell. Phil Russell also bowled tightly to finish with 9-0-32-1.

However, the young batsman Zaman, having been dropped at the wicket early on - admittedly a difficult chance - soon began to establish himself and put pressure on Olton. Paver, having bowled an initial spell of 5-1-14-1, returned for a classic tired second spell (you may have heard this somewhere before), and was soon slogged out of the attack (having "made a game of it" in the words of at least one cynic - thanks Knobby). Zaman was eventually caught off du Cros for precisely 100, his contribution having allowed Attock to post 201 off their 45 overs.

Olton's reply began rapidly, thanks to some erratic bowling (one early over producing 11 "wides" in 3 deliveries - work it out) and quick running between the wickets by Al George and Dave Pullin. Pullin was first out to an uncharacteristic lofted drive. George followed soon after to a run-out decision that initially appeared controversial, although the umpire (and fielders, and many spectators) insisted that the fielder had not broken the wicket with his hand first. So that's OK then.

Phil "Run Machine" Budd then proceeded to anchor the innings in his usual style, mixing nudges and nurdles and slightly manic singles with the occasional lofted leg-side boundary. Everybody contributed to keep the innings going, with the run-rate never rising above about 4 an over, although wickets fell regularly - including that of the excellent Budd - to keep the fielding side interested. 

Having brought their opening bowlers back early in an attempt to force a win, Attock were unable to maintain the pressure once the openers had bowled their quota. The final turning point came when Phil Russell pulled a leg-side ball for four with 3 overs to go. With the fielding side deflated, Olton were then able to pick off the inevitable bad balls. Paver - having previously survived a series of air shots on the off-side - struck the winning runs in the penultimate over to finish on 10 not out.

Yet again Phil Budd's batting (and his fielding - how's the finger?) had provided the foundation for victory. An honourable mention is due to Matt Ayling for his keeping (and for reminding everybody of his keeping). The Brookes family also made a key contribution - thanks to Ben for scoring, and thanks to Ian for describing his bowling action as "right arm out of retirement" when asked by the umpire (has he used that joke before?).