Sam and Shoaib star as Seconds grab dramatic tie

There was little sign of the late drama to come when visitors took first use of the wicket at a packed White Swan Ground.

Openers Richard Thompson and Michael Brooke moved steadily to 50 off the first 16 overs, before the former went for a pleasing 23.

The introduction of Shoaib Hassan upped the tempo and he played some delightfully wristy shots on his way to a brilliant maiden half century.

Useful knocks from David Knight, Marcus Kelly and Sam Gardner added to the total and the visitors went into tea happy with the 198.

The Gardner brothers were quickly in their stride with Sam Removing both openers including ‘The General’ for a duck.

Things ebbed and flowed with Jordan Pickles bowling a neat spell, including a wicket from a fine Chris Dyer catch. Ricardo Tesseyman joined the party with Thompson grasping the ball from nowhere at extra cover.

However, the hosts appeared to be heading for a comfortable win as they chased down the total needing only 20 from 4 overs. The introduction of Marcus Kelly helped turn things with Kelso bowling an excellent spell, with two wickets for only five runs.

The home team had needed five off ten balls, but it was down to four off the last over trusted to Sammy Gardner.

After a dot, he then took two wickets, before a further dot ball. It was brilliant death bowling. A single was scrambled leaving three needed off the last ball in front of a huge crowd. There was a further twist, as two were scampered and heading back for a third a quick-thinking Chrissy Dyer removed the bails. It had been a remarkable day’s cricket.

Michael Brooke said: “What a game to be involved in and we showed a lot of character after being dead and buried with five overs to go. Sam’s last over was top class. With Shoaib getting his first half century and Thommy passing 5000 runs there were many positives on a day that will not be forgotten quickly."

Yeadon’s Nick Darfield aka gaffer said: “I was thrilled to reach double figures in pints. It was a brilliant match and a tie was fitting as both teams played their part. The winner was cricket.”

Man of the match – Shoaib Hassan
Fielding Point – Richard Thompson

Updated 17:55 - 30 Aug 2019 by Kevin Booth