Friendly Match

Northfleet 210-8 dec.
New Ash Green 212-5
New Ash Green won by 5 (3) wickets.

Blue skies, temperatures in the 80's, a parched hard outfield - it could have been late July rather than late September. One clue to the time of year, though, was the state of the New Ash Green team. By cancelling Sunday's match New Ash Green were able to scrape together an XI, though almost all were at best 3rd XI players. However the unexpected non-appearance of Charles Duguid and Alan Carter, both thought to be confirmed and usually reliable reduced that XI to a IX.

Graham Hampsheir won the toss, but with the side available had little choice but to field first. Blair Wilson, improved from complete novice to opening bowler in his first season, was unlucky not to take a wicket in his first over when an apparent snick straight to the keeper was not given out. The steep bounce he generated with a good natural action and great height caused the batsmen problems throughout his first spell but he had no luck with edges flying past slip or dropping just short of fielders. At the other end Rob Wills did pick up a wicket, though he struggled with his line, conceding a number of wides in his opening spell. Northfleet's number 3 Steve Potter was hitting the loose balls well, but never completely on top, and the inexperienced bowling attack (excepting two very experienced overs from Alan Cottrell) kept chipping away. Despite being two fielders short, as well as having the semi-retired and not entirely mobile Cottrell, New Ash Green continued to field with enthusiasm and never let their heads go down, as a run out from Shane Hampsheir's throw from the boundary testified. When Blair Wilson returned for a second spell his luck changed and he picked up three wickets, including that of Potter for 80, and prevented Northfleet from accelerating at the end of their innings. Wills also returned, trying his luck with some spin bowling, and showed some promise on his first attempt in a match, exacting plenty of turn when he flighted the ball. In the end Northfleet were restricted to 210-8 from 40 overs, though with all the no balls and wides New Ash Green actually bowled the equivalent of nearly 44 overs.

With only nine batsmen, and only 2 who had ever exceeded 40 for New Ash Green it still looked a total that would be beyond New Ash Green against a considerably more experienced bowling attack, in fewer overs (36 as it turned out) and with a full complement of fielders. Nonetheless they set off positively, with Rob Wills and Jeremy Betts stroking a four each through square leg before they were out. This brought together the key partnership for New Ash Green of Matthew Quantrill and Graham Hampsheir, and they scored steadily enough to keep the target in reach. Hampsheir hit a straight four then a huge six off the opening bowler, but the lost his timing a bit while Quantrill kept on picking up singles and putting away the odd 4. By the start of the 20 overs just over 140 were needed, but a few good overs reduced the required rate to nearer 6 an over as the partnership passed 100. Nonetheless there was always the feeling that with effectively 4 wickets down and no strong batting remaining it would only take 1 wicket to put Northfleet back in command. When Quantrill was bowled by a shooter for 58 to end the partnership at 106 and Shane Hampsheir was out next ball those fears looked justified. However Graham Poole stood firm as Hampsheir began to find the middle of the bat again, and they added 48 for the 5th wicket and kept the run rate up before Poole was eventually unlucky to be given out LBW. With just 35 now needed Blair Wilson, probably the number 3 batsman in the side, joined Hampsheir and after he had survived a lobbed up edge that somehow fell gently between wicket-keeper and slip the game finished in a flurry of boundaries with the winning runs coming courtesy of 4 overthrows. Hampsheir had scored 123* off just 93 balls by the end with 5 sixes and 18 fours and the nine men of New Ash Green had scored a remarkable win over the XI of Northfleet with ten balls to spare.

A remarkable win in beautiful conditions was a fine way to finish the season after the last couple of weeks have seen such disappointing performances. The spirit that was shown in apparently adverse circumstances was a huge improvement, though it was helped by having opposition who know how to play friendly cricket and played the game in excellent spirit without trying to take advantage of the young and inexperienced players. A pleasure for all involved, particularly Graham Hampsheir!

Bexley Park v New Ash Green
Sunday 21st September 2003

Cancelled - only one XI could be raised over the weekend.