Played at Tynwald Park, New Norfolk was defending its total of 9/186 from the reduced 47 overs and looking down the barrel of its first defeat of the season and losing the biggest match of the season. The Beltas, needing just 24 runs to win with four wickets in hand and three overs remaining, had themselves in a winning position.
But there was still a twist left in the match. Richard “Dicky” Graham, bowling his last over, turned the match on is head almost single-handedly, taking 4/2. His first delivery bowled the batsman; his second was hit in the mid-wicket region and was well caught by Josh Walsh; and things had started to happen for the Red Caps. The third delivery was a hit for a single, then his fourth bowled the batsman and the team was sniffing victory! Graham's fifth delivery was hit for another single.
MORE: MEET THE WHOLE TEAM
Just one wicket stood between New Norfolk and victory. Graham bowls, the batsman gets bat on ball and it is well-caught by Cody Neads at cover and New Norfolk II are premiers of season 2018-19! A match that could have had a nightmare ending quickly turned into a fairytale.
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| Man of the match Cody Neads, left, with club president Jamie Hill. |
Earlier, after winning the toss and batting first, New Norfolk was in a spot of bother and reeling at 5/71, but a team-lifting innings by Cody “Pup” Neads of 92 from just 87 balls was just what the doctor ordered. Neads and Josh Walsh teamed up, putting on 54 together and taking the score to 6/125.
Although Walsh made just 8 runs it was the clubman’s patience that brought about the rebuild allowing Neads to go on the attack, and attack he did, hitting 10 fours and 1 six. The talented batsman put on a valuable ninth-wicket partnership of 31 with Cody Morgan-Coleman who remained 3 not out. Neads' innings was even more impressive considering the hot conditions and the day before he was sick with gastro. Fittingly he was named man of the match and also took the last catch to seal the win.
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| A special message on the playing field at Tynwald Park. |
The crowd was really up and about during the day, in particular veteran Graham “Snowy” Rowlands who with every ball was geeing his beloved Red Caps on to victory. A great results for this team and the club, to win every match of the season is an outstanding achievement. This side will no doubt be remembered as the “Unbeatables”. Well played guys, a terrific effort indeed.
WADE GLEESON
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| The victorious New Norfolk II team, back from left: Chris Ashcroft, Jye Bearman, Stewart Rice, Dave Mitchelmore, Jordan Banks-Smith; middle: Cody Neads, Jamie Hill, Richard Graham; front: Josh Walsh (Vice-Captain), Cody Morgan-Coleman, Aaron Drew, Jake King and Leigh Berry. |
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