Stonesy managed to lose the toss yet again and Ivybridge elected to bat first. Ivybridge got off to a strong start with runs coming easy until Hall-of-Famer Bev Day had their opener caught behind.

Toookey came on and bowled his usual strong spell as he took 1-28 and at the other end Jan Morton grabbed his 7th wicket of the season as he finished 1-12.

Chewy came on next and grabbed two quick wickets, with Ivybridge seven down it became necessary for Ivybridge to slow the run rate to ensure they didn’t get bowled out – This allowed Chewy to grab 2-15 from his four overs. Ted Lyth got another wicket (1-23) and the always-popular Rich Porritt got the last wicket in the final over to see Ivybridge all out for 146.

Porritt and Passman opened the reply and started briskly before Porritt was bowled by Coker for 9. Two balls later and Ingram was on his way back, also bowled – Oddballs rocking on 12-2. There then followed the first of two excellent partnerships…

Tookey and Passman amassed 37 between them with Tookey hitting five 4’s for his 24. Hemmings then joined Passman who was starting to release his shackles and up his scoring rate. Justin and Al would put on 61 for the fifth wicket before Hemmings became Coker’s third victim as Dan Newman (Oddballs Legend) caught him, Oddballs were now 110-4 requiring 37 to win from 6.3 overs.

Stonesy went in to complete the job and hit two quick boundaries but was then caught as he top edged a ball from Kelvin Trent (Oddballs Legend) to depart for 9. Passman was still at the crease and looking good but with all the recognised batsmen out it seemed the onus would be on Al to stay in and get the 22 runs still required.

This looked less likely as Morton was run out without facing a ball to leave Oddballs precariously perched on 127-6. Then, DISASTER! The wall was broken as Passman was caught by Newman off of Trent for a superb 47 from 35 balls including 5 fours – It was Passman’s best ever score for Oddballs and included fine strokeplay, strong smashes, and sprightly running.

However, the departure of AVP left Goodwin and Hewitt in the middle trying to win the match in the gloom with only Ted and Bev to come. 18 runs were needed from 30 deliveries.

Chewy managed to hit a two and then smacked Newman for four through midwicket and, along with some extras, Oddballs edged to 140 but at that point Goodwin was bowled by Coker who finished 4-20 and Ted Lyth entered the fray.

Oddballs now needed seven to win from 17 balls but with two good bowlers and failing light it was a tough job for the Oddballs tail. A wide and a single from Lyth reduced the target to 5 from 12 but Newmans last over went for just a single and Oddballs would need 4 to win from the last over.

Lyth on strike… Dot… Dot… A scrambled single. 3 from 3 required.

Chewy on strike… A Dot… Bat on ball and off they set… An easy single but not enough and Chewy called for the second, Lyth to the bowlers end as the ball flew in, appeal for a run-out… NOT OUT said umpire Stones much to the chagrin of the Ivybridge team. Scores tied, a draw secured, the unbeaten season guaranteed… But that was not enough for Oddballs. In trotted Thompson to bowl the last ball for Chewy who charged at him, missed hopelessly but got his pad on it… Lyth and Hewitt scampered the leg bye to give Oddballs a dramatic (and controversial) last ball victory.

Oddballs Highlights
Top Score - Alex Passman 47
Best Bowling - Ryan Hewitt 2-15
Best Partnership - Alex Passman & Justin Hemmings 61
Fielding Award - Dan Stones