Washington Cricket Club - 40th Anniversary Year

Washington battled out a tough draw in a very even contest against Berkhampsted on Sunday.

Berkhampsted  won toss and, on a hot, sticky afternoon batted three hours before declaring on reaching 204-4 after 49 overs.  Washington’s bowlers were in fine fettle.  Dan Barrett bowled 14 genuinely quick overs, picking up 1-25, and his partner Mick Kennedy bagged a brace, finishing with 2-39.   There was also a scalp each for skipper Justin Gurney (1-20). 

Washington’s reply got off to the best possible start as openers Pete Demetri (58) and Dale Bracegirdle (42) put on 107 for the first wicket, braving some very hostile bowling, and Demetri taking a blow on the ear. 

However, the dismissal of Bracegirdle led to a terrible slump.  Paul Irons recorded a golden duck, and the sense at this event seemed to spread throughout the team:  Demetri was promptly bowled, and he was followed back to the pavilion in short order by Shaun Phelan (5), Richard Jones (2), and Taran Persaud (0).

A very creditable 107-0 had suddenly become 122-6, mainly due to the bowling of Gough, 4-40.  It was at this point that skipper Gurney marched out to join ace Irish stumper John Roche.  With some 12 overs left, and 803 wanted for victory, they threw themselves into the Berkhampsted bowling.  Gurney brought up his 50 with a huge 6, while Roche (16 not out) took runs where he could find them.

Wash were finishing the stronger but were beaten by the clock.  Gurney’s team had faced only 37 overs, but his unbroken 72-run partnership with Roche for the seventh wicket had brough his side to within 11 of their target.

A draw was a fair outcome to a very evenly contested match, played in a great spirit.