Grace's make it three wins out of three
Grace’s won the toss and chose to bat on a hot sunny afternoon. Rayan scored a quick 33 including some powerful hitting. But wickets fell and when Manish joined Leo at the crease the score was 73-5 and the innings was in the balance. However, Leo demonstrated excellent timing to score a valuable 24. Manish once again delivered an assured innings, showing great judgement and placement, and fortunately managed to avoid running anyone out. Grace’s batting stretched all the way down to No.11 and with support from Bielby and Hemang, Manish took his score to 51 not out off 50 balls and ensured Grace’s posted a competitive total of 195 all out off 39.3 overs.
Tea, which was taken in the newly refurbished pavilion, was less eccentric than previous occasions.
Old Haberdashers found the chase too daunting on a sluggish pitch with occasional low bounce. Wickets fell regularly with new opening bowler Anosh, Hemang, Nihara and Bielby taking two each. The only real threat seemed to come from the fifth wicket partnership of Maan and Uzair, who looked as though they might put Grace’s under some pressure. But Maan fell to an excellent catch at extra cover by Manish off Nihara’s bowling. Eventually, Old Haberdashers were all out 78 runs short of the target and we were all able to adjourn to the bar for an early J2O.
Man of the match, MVP, call it what you like, it was Manish for another superb display of batting and a very important catch.