Brewers win final game to end up 4th in Div 5

The Brewers met for a pre-game drink ahead of the last game of the season at the idyllic setting at Frensham and after winning the toss the Alton skipper decided to make first use of a worn wicket. The openers Roberts and Wills struggled to make an early impact against the tight bowling of Chilcott and Baldock - Frensham keeping the run rate in check. After 8 overs though Roberts made an early dropped catch pay as he played some more attacking strokes and started to build a great base for the Brewers. He was eventually out for 43, setting an opening stand of 81. After a couple of shaky overs skipper Green and Wills continued to accelerate the rate, dealing mainly in boundaries (including a 6 into the car park), punishing any wide deliveries. A further 65 partnership put the Brewers in a strong position before Wills (48) was quickly followed back to the pavilion by Wright (7) bringing Green (Jnr) to the crease to join his dad. Green (Snr) reached his half century before becoming the 3rd victim for young Harry Falkner once again playing across the line! Steve Ball hit 4 boundaries in 4 before being bowled by the returning Chilcott. Porter (Jnr) then played an excellent supporting innings putting on 42 with Green (Jnr) who hit an unbroken half century of his own, including 4 x 6’s. Brewers set what they thought was a “par” score of 260/5.

The Brewers opening attack of Litton and Streek bowled great lines and had the Frensham openers in trouble from the start – Streek nearly making a breakthrough as Green (Snr) only got a hand to a sharp chance at 3rd slip. He was eventually rewarded as he bowled a lovely delivery to remove Morris for 4. Lyford and Smith kept the chase going on target as the Brewers continued to set aggressive fields (and drop further catches); and the pressure told when the change came and Porter (Snr) was brought into the attack. He removed both set batsmen and also quickly removed young Falkner ct. behind by Wills. Porter (Jnr) came on and exerted further pressure on the hosts as she got a wicket of her own. This brought Baldock to the crease and he decided to come out firing! He hit 3 huge 6s before a lovely straight 4 to force Porter out of the attack, which is a shame as her spell to that point had been impressive on a turning wicket. With the vast array of bowling options to choose from the Brewers were never really in any trouble – and with the luxury of Trim to come on after drinks the Brewers knew that the tail was unlikely to wag too much. In a slightly different role Trim went from being the “warm up” bowler to the "finisher" as he removed the last 4 wickets in 20 balls, including the dangerous Baldock clean bowled. 4 wickets for both JP and Trim!

Great game – played in a lovey spirit. Brewers end the season 4th , missing 3rd place by 1 point.