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Beckington C.C. are crowned Champions, but suffer defeat by a determined Hospital eleven.
On this last day and match of the season, Beckington had already gained promotion and needed victory, or around 10 bonus points, to secure the title of division champions. The Hospitals in the meanwhile, were sat comfortably in mid-table, now with only their honour at stake after a poor batting performance the previous week at Chippenham.
Hospital Captain Toby Patrick still nursing his shoulder injury had to join the squad, alongside Hospitals umpire Jacob Cooper who had to don his playing whites as opposed to his umpires’ jacket, due to 14 of the Hospital playing members being disappointingly unavailable. But as they say, “when the going gets tough”.
Hospitals win the toss and decide to bat; can they improve on the previous weeks performance?
Toby Patrick opened the innings and invited Jon “Toggy” Fair to join him. Five balls in, a single on the score board, Fair facing the last ball of the over, wrapped on the pads, and the umpire’s finger of fate pointing skyward, Fair walked back to the pavilion, a journey that must have seemed as long as his one from Birmingham where he lives. Jake Dyer coming in at number 3 striking three straight drives to the boundary for four runs announced his intentions, and with Patrick at his omnipotent best, despite his injury, the pair took the game to Beckington. They had a partnership of 74 runs when Patrick, who was on 46, was given out LBW. Dyer was joined by Div Puri but the pair added 3 runs as Dyer was caught from the bowling of Charlie Rustell for 30 runs. Div Puri held up one end as new batsmen Rory Cadbury took over the Toby Patrick mantle and cut loose at the Beckington bowling attack. A partnership of 65 accrued in 9 overs before Puri was caught for 15. Andy Strange (7) and Rob Cooke (11) with Cadbury departing in between the aforementioned for a majestic 52.
The Hospitals had reached 190 for 8 wickets down when Dan Hatcher batting at 9 scored a quick fire 28 before being caught leaving Billy Minchin and Jacob Cooper too add a few more runs to take the total to 225 all out.
Stuart Webb-Martin and Jonathan Fair are a formidable bowling attack for any batsmen at this level of cricket, and after a few looseners, and the Beckington score on 20 in the forth over, the Hospital bowlers bowled with guile and accuracy, so much so, the Beckington batsmen managed only 1 run in the next 6 overs. Fair was the first to strike, tempting Rory Kelly out of his crease, playing and missing, and stand in wicket keeper Div Puri took the ball and dislodged the bails for a fine stumping. Dan Hatcher was brought into the attack and took a wicket with his first ball. Beckington were now 77 for two wickets down in the 20th over requiring 149 to win with 25 overs remaining. Australian Mark Quimil and local youngster Charlie Rustell took to the challenge and focus on acquiring the bonus points. Some hefty blows from both players saw them muster a partnership of 66 before Rory Cadbury, having just coming into the Hospital attack, had Charlie Rustell caught at mid-on by Stuart Webb-Martin. Six runs later Cadbury tempted Quimil with a flighted delivery that saw a leading-edge pop in the air to see Puri take a simple catch. Beckington were 98 for 4. Then having past the 100 runs for another batting point Cadbury struck twice in quick succession. Beckington then reached 125 for 6 only to see Cadbury take their next 4 wickets to see Beckington all out for 149. Man of the Match Rory Cadbury ended with figures of 8 overs 0 maidens 38 runs 8 wickets a quite magnificent effort.
A fine victory for the Hospitals and a double celebration as Beckington gained enough points to be crowned champions of the Division. Both teams celebrated together late into the evening, eventually all heading into the bright lights of the city centre.
On a more poignant note, a touching moment was with Beckington possibly winning the division title Charlie Rustell brought along his late Father’s cricket shirt, beautifully ironed, placed on a hanger and onto a wooden bench that overlooked the ground. His Dad could not have been prouder of his sons Charlie’s contribution to the match and commitment to his beloved club.
We wish Charlie and all the players and supporters of Beckington a great season in 2019 !