25/04/1999 v SUTTON AT HONE

Won

Steve Jones hit some classic off drives to get the score moving, but Tim McArdle and Andrew Cruickshank perished quickly. Steve was bowled out from a leg side ball which deflected off his back leg, and Old Dartechs were in trouble. Sean Coleman and Martin Smith made useful runs, but the major contribution in a final score of 118 came from Chris Beard, who hit 34 not out.

The Sutton at Hone innings started even more slowly, with Bob Dunkley bowling 8 overs for just three runs. His only wicket coming from a brilliant legside stumping by Jock. Andrew Cruickshank was bowling well from the other end but with no luck. Sutton at Hone had scored 25 off 20 overs with only 15 overs left, with Steve Jones and Kevin Nunn bowling almost as tight as the openers. One of the few loose balls enabled the Sutton batsman to pull a ball straight to Tim MaCardle, unfortunately the ball struck him directly on the end of the finger. Tim immediately knew he had broken the finger and bravely walked off. Those who saw the break said it was the worst break they had ever seen ( bone and cartilige everywhere. ) Tim fainted as soon as the pain kicked in and just as Chris Beard was about to take him to Hospital.

Martin and Sean bowled the last 10 overs,and despite a few lusty blows from the middle order Sutton at Hone were left with 24 to get from 2 overs. Old Dartechs completed a fine victory , with some effective defensive fielding, particuarly from Andrew Cruickshank. (Footnote-Tim's finger injury was actually turned out to be a very bad dislocation)