Thursday Match Report

DATE: Thursday 15th July 2004
OPPONENTS: Stockingford
VENUE: Ratcliffe Road, Atherstone
TOSS WON BY: Atherstone
MATCHBALL SPONSOR: -
RESULT: Atherstone won by 7 wickets
POINTS: -

Atherstone put in a match-winning effort in overcoming Stockingford in the Nuneaton Thursday Night League’s Plate competition final, held co-incidentally at Atherstone’s Ratcliffe Road ground.

Opting to leave out talented club coach Matt Pickering and play those who had turned out more regularly, Atherstone’s difficult selection dilemma was made worse when influential all-rounder Vic Clements pulled out due to injury before the game. However, this just strengthened Adders’ resolve to ensure a quality performance was to occur. Skipper Chris Horton won the toss and put Stockingford in to bat, and while Steve Healey and Manny Alcock both produced economical spells, the only wicket to fall was that of opener Patel for 8. Atherstone’s exceptional efforts in the field never allowed Stockingford to score freely and when Justin Hadley came on in the ninth over, no-one could have predicted how the game would change. In his first ball, he had danger man Chris Osborne caught behind for 18, and followed this up soon after with the wicket of Mulla for 0. With Geraint Thomas (2-20) lending able support at the other end, Hadley tore through the middle order claiming the best ever return in the history of the final of 6-19 in just 5 overs. Stumper Mike Brooks too had a great day bagging four dismissals as Stockingford folded to 82-9 after 18 overs.

Atherstone were always favourites from here although some tight bowling from Lee Woods and Ifticar Mulla meant that Atherstone had to battle hard. Dave Blower made 10 and Simon Grayson 15 as opener Gary Moore led from the front with a considered 37. The game went into the penultimate over before the classy Alan Miller caressed two fours in successive balls from Dave Osborne to give Atherstone a 7 wicket win with 10 balls to spare – and along with it the Albert Robbins Memorial Bowl which was presented to Atherstone captain Chris Horton by long serving Griff and Coton scorer, Eric Orton. This win gives Atherstone their first piece of silverware for two years and is just reward for all the efforts of those in the side and at the club.

Scoreboard