Vets pull off nail-biting, last over victory
The Mountain Gate Vets pulled off a stunning last over win over Bayswater, down at Windermere at the weekend. Needing to win to keep finals in the frame in the short 7 game season, the Gators had the crowd on their feet as they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Winning the toss, skipper Garry Wilson decided to bowl first, which proved an inspired decision, with the Gators putting in one of their most complete fielding efforts of the season.
With only 3 extras (1 wide and 2 leg byes), every bowler did their bit. George Shaw once more proved himself among the elite quicks in the division with 0/12 off his six overs. Skipper Wilson took 1/26 (off 6), Tommy Boersma 0/21 (off 6) and Gary Walsh 1/26 (off six). After suffering chronic ‘sea sickness’ from the cruise night the night before, any contribution at all from Walshy was to be considered a massive bonus. Walshy however was not done there and was to play a key part in the final result.
Chris Harris, miraculously fronting up after his marathon knock in the Twos, bowled well at the death to take 3/38 (off 5.5 overs), while Mick Cleland was the pick of the bowlers with a brilliant 4/25 (off 5) as Bayswater were restricted to 150.
In reply, the Gators got off to a handy start with Brett Tucker (15) and Chris Harris (40 not out) getting us off to 42 for the first wicket. Things got dicey from there, with wickets falling regularly, as several got starts without finishing the job. Steve Smith 16, Mick Boucher 16 on debut and Boris King 10 all looked promising. But with nobody aside from ‘H’ going on with it, it came down to Tommy Boersma (18 not out) and Gary Walsh (20 not out) to steer us home. At one point it was 28 required from the last 3 overs, then 18 off the final 2, and finally 5 off the last. With some brilliant hitting, desperate running between wickets and a couple of handy dropped catches, Tommy and Walshy got us over the line with 4 balls to spare.
A wonderful result, which hopefully leads to a home final if the Gators can knock off the Beavers in the final round.
