2 balls left, 5 runs needed, one wicket remaining: Epic win for 4s

Our team was probably the strongest we have had this season and a number of 4s regulars missed out as players from higher XIs were available. But we knew from last season that Wimbledon have a strong team late in the season as their students and younger players become available.

We won the toss and opted to bowl first on a good-looking Addington track. Lee Ramsey and Mano opened the bowling and Wimbledon got off to a flier reaching 25 in the first 4 overs. But Mano and Lee did not panic (even when a couple of chances went down) and kept the ball in the right areas and were both rewarded by each bowling an opener each. Lee dropped into a great groove and bowled his 13 overs straight-through for just 28 runs. Vivek came on to replace Mano and continued to keep things pretty tight, whilst our fielding was excellent with David De Winter and Mano particularly lively and Martin keeping well. The committed fielding paid off as Mano got a good run out with his powerful throw.

Nikhil replaced Lee and his dad, Vinay came on at the other end. Wimbledon's young colt at number 3 batted very well for a patient 65. This was a critical moment as none of our bowlers gave anything away and kept a tight line and length. Vin-Diesel in particular bowled superbly, tightening the screw on Wimbledon when they wanted to get away and push well above 200. With a couple of good catches by Vivek, Vinay got 3 wickets for just 22 off 7 overs right at the end of the innings. The tight bowling meant they batted the whole 47 overs and ended on 186.

After tea, Jon opened with Rikky. We did not get the start we wanted as the captain played a shocking shot to a wide ball in the second over and was caught behind. Wimbledon's bowlers were fast and accurate - by some way the strongest bowling team we have played this season. Rikky and De Winter then batted carefully, accumulating well before David (after being hit flush on the helmet earlier) mis-pulled one off their quickie and was caught. Farooq was caught at midwicket off a mistimed pull and Pete edged to slip and we were struggling at around 40-4 off 20 overs. But all this time Rikky maturely continued to bat carefully but kept the score ticking along and he was joined by the reliable Martin Stone. Martin's leg muscle was still not right so David joined him as a runner for an excellent partnership with Rikky.

When Wimbledon brought on two young spinners, Martin increased the scoring rate, lofting a cracking 6 high into the Addington trees. Rikky nudged and drove excellently and got a massive cheer for his first adult 50. He has had a great season opening the batting for the league-winning u15s team so great to see this translated to the adult teams and against such good bowling. He fell shortly after reaching his landmark and Nikhil came in. The rate needed was up around 7 an over but Nikhil hit two fours before being dismissed which brought in his dad. Martin (or David) was then run out for an excellent 35 which brought in Vivek at number 9. Vivek and Vinay picked up in the same vein as their epic partnership v Old Wimbledonians (where they put on 98 for the 8th wicket) and ran brilliantly to keep pressure on the oppo.

16 runs needed off 3 overs. We got 7 runs off it before Vivek was bowled in the penultimate over which only yielded 2 runs, so we needed 7 off 6. The drama increased when Lee, our savvy senior Pro, got run out looking for a single and our no.11, Mano strode out. We needed 5 off the last two balls and discussions took place about whether we should settle for the winning draw. But the penultimate ball of the match, a quick ball was missed by their keeper and defeated a very fine leg. 4 byes meant the scores were level with one ball remaining. The final ball was bowled...and Mano calmly flicked it through square leg. WE WON!

It was a great match and superb performance by the whole team. Thanks to Jack Southwell and Jack Stone for supporting and umpiring at the end. Well done to all our bowlers for being so disciplined, our fielding was excellent and Rikky and Martin's partnership gave us the platform for the win and the lower order all made great contributions. Man of the Match was Vinay for his excellent bowling and nerveless batting as he finished 23 not out. His leap when completing the winning run said it all. Awesome cricket.