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After finally getting to play their semi
final vs Rushwick due to the wet weather the two Malvern sides finally got
to meet in this eagerly awaited final.
After so many games being cancelled recently and a home tie for the Green
this fixture promised to draw the crowds in.
Many locals turned up in time to see skipper Jez Clarke win the toss with
the help of Stu Fletchers lucky last penny. He went with his theory which
has proved successful this year and inserted the visiting side.
With a side averaging the age of 21 the green hoped that their fielding
would set the standard for the game and that it did, With opening bowlers
Clack and Hoogstraten both making early break throughs clean bowling
dangermen Bendall and Francis respectively the green fielders rallied round
and gave the ever growing crowd a master class in both catching and ground
fielding.
Unfortunately for the green overseas star Hoogstraten was forced to leave
the field after bowling just two overs this bought a senior debut for 12th
man 14 year old Dan Metcalf who slotted in superbly under such big game
pressure.
Jez Clarke alternated his bowlers wisely and Brookes Williams and Doughty
all picked up wickets meaning no batsmen was allowed to settle, when
Williams returned to bowl the final over he dismissed malverns last danger
man Ray Evans seeing Malvern all out for 86.
Needing Less than a run a ball Green set off knowing that should they get
through the early stages unscathed then victory should be a formality for
players of such ability. The opening partnership of 17 year old Paddock and
Harris set about the total warily until Paddock was bowled by Skipper Dovey
without troubling the scorer.
This bought the ever in form Golder to the crease and he and Harris built
the innings again and ticked along at the required rate. Although Harris
found it hard timing the ball and survived several chances he showed his
maturity by sticking to the task ball by ball until finally being runout at
the non strikers end for a match winning 42.
With 6 runs needed off the last over the pressure was still on especially
with new batsman Tim Clarke 2 singles were taken before Clarke smashed a
half volley through the encroached ring to see the Green home by 8 wickets
with Kev Golder not out 30.
Barnards Green were then presented with both the Tansell Trophy and the
Worcestershire Evening League trophy which they lift for the first time in
its 40 year history.
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Back Row Left to Right:
Kevin Golder, Andrew Hoogstraaten, Mathew Brookes, Richard Williams, Judd
Doughty, Liam Paddock, Daniel Metcalfe.
Front Row Left to Right:
Timothy Clarke, Thomas Clack, Jeremy Clarke (Cpt ), Timothy Williams,
Phillip Harris.
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