A's draw but it could have been more

On a day when everybody expecting the worst hail storms since records began and with the possibility of an arc being a more probable sight than any cricket, it was of great shock that both teams arrived to blue skies and sunshine. Could it possibly be that the weathermen were wrong?!
Another toss won by skipper Pete Cowlin and the A's elected to field due to the overcast conditions forecast on the first half of the day. The opening 10 overs were fairly expensive, but also saw the 'ball of the century' from Zahid Ghani which removed the opener. The fact the batsman actually shook the youngsters hand before departing told you everything you need to know about the quality of the swinging and seaming delivery! Once the opening overs had been completed it was time for Barry Lineker to wheel away at one end with excellent control, and at times was keeping the Trinity Mid Whits batsmen in check single handedly. This was until Adi Dhond started to support him from the other end with a very good spell of 7 overs before Zahid was reintroduced. The A's went for around 20 overs without a breakthrough but were strangling the run rate, especially after the second breakthrough just after drinks. The wickets came regularly after that and by the time 45 overs were on the board TMW's were on 133-6. However the A's second string let the pressure drop as the TMW's young lower order ran the field ragged with some excellent hit and run cricket. They closed on 190 all out from 54 overs.
Having looked at the way the track was playing and the strength in depth of the line up the A's were confident going into the run chase. Although they had got 20 more than they should have done, the TMW's total was definitely more than chaseable on a flat track and quickening outfield. However, there was to be a twist. The usually very reliable top 6 was reduced to a trembling wreck with only Craig Stevens getting into double figures with 20. There was even time for a first ball duck for Pete Cowlin. Never fear, where there is time left in the game and a need for stability there is never someone as suitable as David Moore. Joined by Adi Dhond at the crease at 61-6, the result was far from in Addiscombe's favour. They still needed 100 for the winning draw and 130 to win in 30 overs. The two played brilliantly with Dhond providing an excellent counter attacking 67 and Moore supporting with an excellent 40. When Moore departed with the score on 165-7 the A's were believing in victory with the winning draw in the bag if they didn't lose their final 3 wickets. Unfortunately with James Ramsey coming and going for a quick 10 it was decided to take what we had and it was left to Dhond to block the last over of the game to ensure the 4 points were Addiscombe's. On the last ball of the game Dhond fell but had done his team mates proud with the A's finishing on 176-9 off 46 overs.
In the end the draw was a bittersweet result. Had just one more person stuck around in the top order we would have won, and if we had restricted the hit and run cricket of the young TMW's players we would have been chasing less and may well have won. However, with the side having been in such trouble at 44-5 and 61-6, to end up so close and to secure the winning draw was a big positive.
Much to do on the bowling and fielding side for next week with Barry Lineker stepping into captain in Pete Cowlin's absence. The game is at home to Worcester Park who have made a decent start and sit third in the league. A win against them would help the A's jump up the table and keep in touch with the promotion chase.