Wombles hang on (From Gazette & Herald)

Wombles hang on

Derwent Valley League Division B: Snainton seconds 106 for 9 lost to Wombleton 107 for 9 by one wicket

AN impressive display of bowling and fielding saw Wombleton defeat arch rivals Snainton by one wicket in a thrilling encounter.

Electing to bowl first on a green-looking track, captain Sharples must have been disappointed as his opening bowlers struggled against a Snainton batting line-up prepared to throw the bat, as they raced to 46 for 2 off just ten overs.

But the wily skipper rang the changes and wickets fell steadily - Featherstone particularly impressive as he bowled within himself to extract maximum swing and seam from the wicket.

Snainton's tail-enders provided dogged resistance, though, as they limped along to 107 for 9.

In reply, Wombleton's batting looked frail. They lost three early wickets before Johnson took charge with a brisk 25. In 15 magical minutes of batting bliss, he wrestled the game from the visitors.

But the introduction of Wilson into the attack brought Snainton some control and the Wombles' lower order fell apart under the pressure.

Last man McDermid arrived at the crease with just six runs required for victory.

But with one last effort, Snainton bowled eight maidens in a row as Fawcett waited for the bad ball.

Eventually it came and he placed a mis-timed off drive just over a despairing mid-off to seal victory.

Updated: 10:04 Thursday, June 06, 2002