Chester Boughton Hall 3rd XI V Bunbury 2nd XI

On Saturday Ste Treen’s 3A’s made the short journey to the East Cheshire village of Bunbury. A number of changes saw Jack Mcgovern, Ben Spaven, Sheehan, Rob Morris and Ben Harvey return.
Upon winning the toss Chester elected to have first use of a pitch that appeared to be made for batting. The newly formed opening partnership of Mike and Ste Treen saw the pair off to a flyer, bringing up their 2nd 50 partnership in two outings together in the 7th over. Mike Treen was first to bring up his 50 with a big six over deep square in to the adjacent farm. Good to see the lad back in the rans. Mike departed for 56 with the score on 97 in the 14th over, with brother Ste bringing up his 50 soon after. The captains in some form. Ste went shortly after, remarkably for the same score as brother and VC Mike, followed by usually dependable Mani. Can’t score runs every week Man Dog. Reg Wyatt took his time to get going with Bob Morris at the other end for company. Runs eventually began to flow for the young pup despite the loss of the senior statesman of the side, Rob. Reg brought up his 3rd 50 of the season for the 3As but departed shortly after for a well compiled 55. Batted Trotty boi. Craig Evans and Ben Spaven both added quick fire 20s at the death allowing the captain to pull us off after 41 overs with 233. Bold.
After a highly rated tea, the words ‘best of the season’ were being muttered by most. Unbelievable scones. In response Chester opened with the pace and bounce of Mcgovern down the now infamous ‘Bunbury Slope’ and the craftiness of Ben Harvey at the other end. Bunbury got off to a flyer, however Chester got the breakthrough in the 9th Over courtesy of a Mclovin clean bowled. Mcmuffin removed the number 3 for a globe with a snick through to born again wicket keeper Mike Treen. The wickets however dried up and Bunbury shut up shop. Barvey and Jack were removed from the attack and replaced with Joe Maddog and Ben Spaven. Joe bowled tight but went unrewarded, whilst Spavo also worked hard for no reward. Reg had a couple of overs before pulling himself out of the attack and Mcgovern was brought back on in the 31st over with Bunbury still 2 down. Jack proceeded to bowl one of the best spells of hostile fast bowling you will ever wish to see, unless you’re a Bunbury 2nd teamer that is. Jack took 5-22 in his second spell of 5 overs. Well bowled Gacky. With Jack and Joe now bowled out, the 2 Bens were brought back on. Spaven and Barv took the 8th and 9th wickets in consecutive overs, leaving Bunbury 7 overs to survive for the draw. Bunburys 10 and 11 looked as if they had been in this scenario a thousand times before and a draw looked the most likely outcome. Final over, Spaven bowling. 1 wicket needed. 4…4…dot…dot…dot. One ball left, one wicket need. Dave Maddocks is live on facebook, Tom Evans, Ric Moore and the world is watching. Ben steams in, Rob Morris can sense something is going to happen. Top of off. Quick. Beats the bat. Bowled. The Chester players go wild, Bunbury despair. Chester win on the last ball of the game thanks to a peach of a ball from Ben Spaven. 25 points secured and the lads go nuts in the summer house, This is the One rings out. You’re not nine down forever. On to Barnton we go.

MOTM – Jack Mac for his superb 7-55. What a legend.

DOTD – Ste Treen for claiming he is the best batsmen in the league.

Credit to self-proclaimed VC Mike Treen.