Masham v Middleham

Match Report/Information

Another glorious evening saw a scratch Masham ten give themsleves a sniff only for defeat to be snatched from the improbably jaws of victory. Neither the in-form Howard nor the inn-form Heke were available having taken a mid-week city-break to Slough together. With early batting proving tough going, veteran J A Broadley held firm as the middle-order house of cards didn't so much come clattering down as dissolve into a giant vat of papier-mache as Beales claimed a hat-trick and sealed Man of the Match. A late-order rally from stand-in captain Smart and Broadley senior pushed the score on a little and Big Friendly Giant Flash Bang Falshaw hit a three ball 9 including a riparian six. Despite the skipper's best effort, as Middleham hunted for a spare, at disuading the BFG from trying to repeat this uncharacteristic and unlikely feat of showmanship, Flashaw took another massive wipe only to see his castle ruined. Junior Broadley came to the crease and made an impressive 10 not out including a five. 92 seemed like a good score considering Typhoon Beales mid-order devastation. Tea was taken and what a marvelous spread too; Andrew Sturdy's quiche going down well. Horn and Ewart opened the Middleham innings and set-off in watchful mood. Ex Middlesex seamer Warrington rolled back the years and together with junior Broadley's outrageous leg-spin, pegged back the visitors. Enter from the bowling green end 12 year-old Gill to prise out opener Horn and number 4 Murray, Masham old-boy P Diddy Coombes taking a very smart catch at the wicket. Masham looked set for a sneaky win. However the limpit-like Shields and S(uper) Guy rode their luck on occasions and saw Middleham home with 9 balls to spare. Plenty of good cricket was played tonight with younger players of both teams showing the way!