Sunday July 31st, v Hampshire Hogs, at Warnford

Sherborne Pilgrims 309-8 (E R Atkins 108, D Pugh 70); Hampshire Hogs 308-4 (T S G Cooke 110, T Grainzevelles 60 not out, O J D Kelly 53, Fellows 50). Match drawn

The season's finale against the Hampshire Hogs is always an especially enjoyable event and this year did not disappoint, with more than 600 runs scored on a beautiful summer’s day. The pitch and conditions at Warnford meant both sides were eager to bat first and to the relief of the Pilgrims, the toss was won by the visitors who proceeded to ask the Hogs to field.

Two natural stroke makers in Ed Atkins and George Bramble opened the batting. There are few on the circuit who strike the ball harder and cleaner than Atkins, and he displayed this to perfection with excellent batting on both sides of the wicket. Bramble played an attractive innings and it was great to see his signature cover drive brought into action on a number of occasions, unfortunately all too often going straight to the fielder. He was particularly unfortunate to fall victim to what must have been the catch of the season. Bramble swiped at a wide one from the tireless Dick Aldridge only to see the ball plucked out of the air one-handed by the man at cover. It was a superb catch and much to the disappointment of Bramble, and the crowd, he had to make his way back to the pavilion having scored 20.

Dave Pugh was next in and both Pugh and Atkins kept the scoreboard ticking over with some excellent batting. Pugh was then triggered leg-before much to his dislike, and with no option of a review, had to walk. Such was the strength in the Pilgrims batting that there was no concern in the ranks. Langly-Smith scored a strong 27 and it was a shame that having got in and looking to accelerate, he got out. Nevertheless he batted well, and despite being of heavy build, demonstrated that good running between the wickets and picking up singles is the best way to rotate strike and keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The Pilgrims score trickled on nicely. Unfortunately Haycock did not trouble the scorers going for a soft caught and bowled. Harry Clifton added a free scoring 15 which typically came predominantly in boundaries, and Alex Pusinelli hit some marvellous maximums to add 37 to the scoreboard. Charlie Clifton and Nick Southwell enjoyed yet another late-order partnership together. They really have developed a good understanding and scored 33 not out and 16 not out respectively. Unfortunately Howland-Jackson did not get an opportunity this time, but his turn will come and the Pilgrims declared on 309 for 8 having batted for 56 overs.

Ed Atkins must be commended on an outstanding innings of 108. He really is a class act and oozes style and timing. His innings provided the platform for the Pilrgims innings, and it was great to see him reach his century. He is really developing into an exceptional Pilgrim.

The Hogs had a very strong batting line-up and the Pilgrims knew that in order to bowl them out early wickets were the key. However, the Hogs batsmen got off to a flyer and at tea had been scoring at just under ten an over with the loss of no wickets - game on.

Having bowled down the hill before tea Pusinelli was given the ball up the hill in search for a bit more control and immediately struck with a short ball that Fellows tried to pull only to loft it straight up for an easy catch for the awaiting Atkins. The next man in was Docker, who hadn’t had the best of starts to his day having crashed his bright orange Lamborghini. Nonetheless, he had few sympathisers out in the middle and his day was to only get worse when he nicked one behind on 4, and only after some expletives directed towards the umpire wandered off to take an early bath. Tom Atkins was soon to follow for 1 and after a slow start, the Pilgrims smelt blood.

However, Theo Cooke and Theo Grainzevelles had other ideas and built an excellent partnership and demonstrated why they are regulars in the Pilgrims Cricketer Cup side. Cooke scored a magnificent 110 and Grainzevelles 60 not out with both batsmen hitting fours and sixes as well as accumulating some sensible ones and twos.

With one over to go 15 runs were required and when Grainzevelles launched Dave Pugh for a maximum first ball, hearts were in the mouths of both players and spectators. He struck a four two balls later and with one ball to go the Hogs needed four runs for victory. If any man had the nerve to stay cool in a time of such pressure it was Pugh, who restricted Ed Kelly from striking the winning runs with some tight bowling on the final ball of the over. The Hogs ended up on 308 for 4 - a real nail-biter!

One of the many reasons we all play this fantastic and at times peculiar game is that it never ceases to cough up surprises and produce moments unlike that of any other sport. This match had everything from wonderful stroke playing, moments of brilliance in the field, and some good bowling too. As each sides shook hands there was a sense of appreciation that they had all been involved in an excellent day's cricket, and as ever a highly enjoyable occasion.

Charlie Clifton