ADAMSTOWN 167 all out (38 overs)
Balamurugan Jayabal 45
John Threadgold 2/19 Avanish Patel 2/31 Vishnu 2/33
HALVERSTOWN 168-6 (35 overs)
Andy Wordley 40 Paolo Rosa 34 Vishnu 28
Our season finished on a high note with another good win in a game where we were in trouble at times but - like so often this year - we found a way to victory.
They won the toss and chose to bat. We took a very early wicket but they recovered and were well in charge at 93-3 off just 16 overs and in line for a decent total, likewise at 130-4 off 28. While we started to take wickets, the runs kept flowing and at 155-6 they could still have easily reached 200 or more. But we ate into their lower order, gained control and took their last 4 wickets for just 12 runs to leave us needing 168 to win.
Our batting has had strength and depth this season and more often than not, someone has come up with the goods. At 3-2 though, I was wondering would this be a day when we couldn't manage it. Andy hit a couple of huge sixes on the way to another fine innings. What a league season he has had: 424 runs at an average of 47.1 and he has been integral to our strong performance. Our third wicket fell at 45 and we still looked a bit shaky but Vishnu and Paolo both batted really well, we gradually took control and Kevin saw us home for a very satisfying win. Andy kindly provided the drinks that we enjoyed afterwards - we should have been toasting him with champagne!
We remain in second place, though Tyrrelstown can just squeeze past us if they win their remaining game at home to Gorey. It was a very satisfying season and a great way for me to finish regular cricket with H1. I hope to play plenty of cricket in the coming years, but it's more than time for younger players to take things on. We have a good platform with a very positive blend of camaraderie, skill and resilience. A big thank you to all who played their part this year for H1, it was a pleasure.
In a message for the first game of the season I said that "if at the end of the season we will have had fun while playing good cricket, I will be happy." I think we achieved that and I am more than happy. Well done everyone!
Written by John Threadgold.