Saturday 20th August 2005 vs Great Gaddesden C.C.
 
Washington lose out in close run-chase
 
Great Gaddesden C.C. 194-6 (36 overs)
Washington C.C. 188-8 (36 overs)
 
Peter Kloss reports

These two teams, so evenly matched it seems, played another close thriller in the Hertfordshire countryside on Saturday. After the Belsize Park-based Washington’s victory by only 8 runs earlier in the season, Great Gaddesden were set on revenge to make it even for the season.

However Great Gaddesden got off to a slow start after being put in by the Wash skipper on an easy-paced but slightly soft pitch (after heavy rain on Friday). Nick Tidey (1-37) and Kloss (2-23) kept things tight, only allowing the score to progress to 16 after 7 overs, Kloss picking up an early wicket. However Crawley (70) then established himself and after the Greats lost their second wicket, built a solid partnership of 83 with Henry (53). Jones (1-28) and Holt (2-34) both bowled tidily, but the batsmen played with confidence and accumulated runs on a pitch which seamed slightly but otherwise was true. There was no luck for the spinners Malcolm (0-23) and Persaud (0-32) who were hit for a number of boundaries, and Rob Tidey (0-12) chipped in with an over.

At tea Great Gaddesden had built a strong total of 194-6.

The Washington’s reply got off to a difficult start when Hope (10) was caught in the deep in the third over, and then Rob Tidey middled a full length ball directly onto his left foot. Tidey, limping very badly, had to leave the field for attention and only returned on the fall of the third wicket by which time Gluckman (6) and Chance (11) had steadied the side from potential collapse, but not scored quickly. Hendry then went for a duck, and the Washington were down and out it seemed at 55-4 with almost half the overs gone.

However there then unsued a truly remarkable partnership, or should I say trio. Tidey had returned with a runner, Hope, and Holt was also now at the crease. Tidey and Holt batted beautifully for the next 15 overs, stroking the ball to all parts of the field, finding the gaps, and having the occasional piece of luck as the ball fell between fielders, or run-out chances were missed. However, unexpectedly the star of the show was the runner, Hope who took control over that aspect of proceedings and pushed both the field and Holt to the absolute limit in taking singles where there were none, turning singles into twos and generally conjuring up scoring opportunities when one would never have believed it possible. Hope’s judgement, calling and running was of the highest quality, and completely unselfish in the circumstances. The general concensus was that Hope had added at least 20 runs to the eventual batting partnership of 107.

Tidey, seemed to thrive on being released of running responsibilities by his injury and played a fabulous innings to end with 84, despite his limp. Holt played solidly as usual to finish with 42 when he was out.

Of course now the amazing trio had put the Wash in with a chance. 44 runs were needed from the last 4 overs with 6 wickets remaining. Nick Tidey (12) and Peter Kloss (13) took things forward with some solid hits and streaky edges to leave 19 required from the final over. A single, a 4, a 3 and another boundary were taken from the first four balls to leave only 7 required from 2 balls, 6 to tie. Tidey tried to pull the fifth ball away but unfortunately got a skied top edge which was caught behind. Of course the Wash couldn’t win now, but a 6 from the last ball would tie the game. The Gaddesden captain placed 7 fielders around the boundary from square leg to deep cover, but Kloss missed the final ball and was stumped.

The excitement at the after-match barbeque was over what a great game it had been, a real pleasure to be a part of. The Wash captain commented “when you are involved in a game like that no-one minds the result too much. Cricket is the winner. We’ll just have to come back and win next year!”

Man of the match: George Hope, for a significant contribution without bat or ball! Packing the kit: Jack Chance

top   back
Batting
Player Runs How out
George Hope 10 Caught
Robert Tidey 84 Caught
Jack Chance 11 Stumped
David Gluckman 6 Caught
Russell Pendry 0 Bowled
Matthew Holt 42 Run Out
Nick Tidey 12 Caught
Peter Kloss 13 Stumped
Richard Jones 0* 
Did Not Bat
Gary Malcolm
Taran Persaud
Partnerships
Wkt Runs Batsmen
1 14 George Hope  &  Robert Tidey
2 35 Robert Tidey  &  Jack Chance
3 4 Robert Tidey  &  David Gluckman
4 2 Robert Tidey  &  Russell Pendry
5 107 Robert Tidey  &  Matthew Holt
6 0 Robert Tidey  &  Nick Tidey
7 16 Nick Tidey  &  Peter Kloss



Fielding
Player Cts Wkt Cts Stmps
Peter Kloss 1 - -
Russell Pendry 1 - -
Nick Tidey 2 - -
Bowling
Player Overs Mdns Runs Wkts
Taran Persaud 4.0 0 32 0
Nick Tidey 7.0 0 37 1
Matthew Holt 8.0 0 34 2
Robert Tidey 1.0 0 12 0
Peter Kloss 7.0 3 23 2
Gary Malcolm 2.0 0 23 0
Richard Jones 7.0 0 28 1
Top