Stewart takes a 'five fer' as Horsley stun Guildford

Stewart takes a 'five fer' as Horsley stun Guildford

Guildford - 83 all out (18.3 overs)
Horsley- 85 for 6 (19.1 overs)

Horsley won by 4 wickets

Over the years we have enjoyed some memorable encounters against our old foe Guildford; this match was to be no exception.

On winning the toss Guildford elected to bat. Wanting to express themselves early in the game they pushed for a single off the first ball but as quick as a 'ninja' captain Collett seized the moment and in a single movement picked up, threw and the bails as well as the batsman were on their way to 'Wales'! Storming in and bowling with venom Hunt then added to the elation when he found the outside edge of the other opener with his fourth ball. Coppen then added to their pain when he tempted the number four batsman into a loose shot and Hunt took the catch at mid-on; Guildford were five for three and in disarray! Captain Collett replaced Coppen and between him and Hunt they kept up the pressure whilst generating some good pace. Realising that the wicket could take spin Collett turned to Stewart and to Misra for some seam bowling. The decision was to prove inspired. Misra coming up the hill struck first when he deceived the number three batsman and Trimming, standing up to the stumps, whipped off the bails. Then came the moment of magic as the ball was thrown to Stewart. 'Don't worry he doesn't spin it' the taller of the two batsmen was heard to say. Five wickets later, including that of his own, and he was sampling the best of 'humble pie' cooked and served up by Stewart. The number 6 batsman was the first to go when he attempted the charge but was deceived by the 'spin' and Trimming again whipped off the bails. The next ball the number 7 misjudged his drive and waiting in the covers Misra took the catch. It could have been a team hat trick but a very difficult chance off Dennis went to ground however, as importantly a boundary was prevented. Although he wasn't to have a hat trick of his own it wasn't long before Stewart would make it wicket number four and five. The first was a straightforward LBW to remove the dangerous number 5 and then having seen a chance go to ground backed himself to take a catch off his own bowling to make it five and end his magical spell - well done Michael. It was left to Dennis to wrap up the innings courtesy of that man Stewart who took the catch. Guildford were all out for 83! Whilst this seems a very low score for a 20/20 it was evident from the uncertain bounce that this could yet prove to be a challenging score...

It was Stewart and Captain Collett who were tasked to get Horsley off and running. Stewart struck a neatly timed shot to the boundary and after one over Horsley had eight. However the next over Captain Collett was adjudged LBW but there was more than hint of bat then pad - clearly bemused Collett trudged off. Trimming came in and between him and Stewart they started to build the innings. Some excellent spin bowling contained the now watchful pair. However in trying to up the tempo Stewart, looking to sweep, was bowled. Hughes, having played straight, was to become the only victim of the off spinner when he was deceived by the spin and bowled. Enter Hunt. Like Trimming Hunt was watchful at first and selecting his shots with care. With the run rate creeping upwards Guildford started to believe. The wicket, combined with some good accurate bowling, was making runs hard to come by. A couple of boundaries from Trimming started to ease the pressure. Hunt added a couple of his own and the initiative was back with Horsley. Just when the Horsley supporters started to settle Trimming was caught in the deep as he attempted the 'big one' over the top. Hernandez was to follow soon after when going down the track he was adjudged LBW! Dennis joined Hunt with still 30 required and overs running out. Hunt started to take on the bowling and a welcome boundary was ecstatically received by the now nervous and growing number of Horsley supporters. Then came a moment Hunt will never forget - running to the bowlers end he grounds the bat - and all good so far - but as the ball comes in from the deep Hunt raises his bat but as he does so the ball hits the bowler and flops onto the stumps - 'Ah' says Hunt as the finger goes up - run out! Guildford celebrated and with 17 still required off two overs they were in the driving seat. Dennis, was having none of it. Joined by Fox he immediately set about the other off spinner who was about to leak 13 runs. These two ran everything. Dennis timed his shots perfectly including a delightful straight drive, as did Fox to get a valuable two runs. Four required off the last over; Dennis on strike. Pitching short of a length Dennis latched onto it and the ball raced to the mid wicket boundary - with a whoop and a raised arm Dennis had done it. To great applause Dennis and Fox were swamped by the players as they celebrated and savoured a great victory - well done boys.

Always great to beat the old enemy but this was not a game for the feint hearted - brilliant boys

Thanks to Jane Hunt for scoring and to you all for the wonderful support

That it

Nigel