Forest Row, in partnership with Douche, entertained Hartfield
– looking to maintain their unbeaten run. Hartfield won
the toss and elected to bat on a wicket with bounce and carry.
Row opened with N.Divall and Hillen. Both bowled impressively,
keeping the openers in check. Divall was 1st to strike –
Boone (0) after torturous vigil, caught Barnett. Hillen then struck,
Hodge (8) caught at point – bringing Bowers to the wicket.
Bowers should have gone 2nd ball & was dropped twice before
scoring, with keeper and slip ruing the gifts spilt. He and Jackson
took the Arial route – somehow evading fielders until Bowers
was caught off Britt for 41 on 86. Edwards had Jackson (49) caught
behind and cleaned up the dangerous Steve Medhurst. Only Beare
(26) made a significant contribution, as Hartfield fell short
of maximum points, with Divall & Hillen cleaning up.
Set 173 to win, Wycherley and Osbourne set off in positive fashion.
Osbourne (14) got a ball which reared off a length off Bowers.
This proved to be the only alarm as Wycherley, with Barnett batted
serenely, and in a boundary littered partnership – along
with some excellent running. Both comfortably passing 50, the
sealed a comprehensive 9 wicket win, with 14 overs to spare –
and a little extra spice to the Buckhurst cup final.
Hartfield 172(45.4) Jackson 49, Bowers 41, Beare 26. Divall 16-5-38-4
Hillen 10.4-3-52-3, Edwards 12-2-44-2
Forest Row 174-1 (30) Wycherley 74*, Barnett 69* Bowers 8-0-49-1
