Hutch clings on with tail for draw after Dons hit 278

A loss of the toss meant that 3rd place Reigate would be bowling first on Saturday against 2nd place Wimbledon in a big game regarding the league. The wicket looked good and for anyone who has seen park lane lately knew that the outfield was also going to be lightening fast, so bowling well was going to be key. With this in mind Reigate happened to perhaps serve up a few too many half volleys in the opening 10 overs meaning that Wimbledon were able to get away to a bit of a flyer. Wimbledon built good partnerships which was led from the front with their opener reaching his hundred only in the over after drinks.

But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Stand in skipper Neil Saker, who had spend the first quarter of the game with head in hands and not being able to use the phrase ‘good hammer’ as much as he would normally like to on a Saturday, turned to bowler Mobeen Tahir. It took Mobeen a few to settle in but eventually struck 3 quick wickets along with Hodgson taking 1 at the other end meaning Wimbledon went from 177 - 2 to 186 - 6. The Llamas were all of a sudden back on top. However another spell of what could be described as average bowling meant that Wimbledon were able to reach 278 - 7 declaring in the 50th over.

Reigate then went out thinking if ever there was a time to chase down 280 at park lane then today was the day with the conditions we had. Unfortunately skipper Neil Saker was out 3rd ball of the innings and Wimbledon were back on their high horse. Other opener R Haughton stuck around at one end batting with 6 other members of his side including a few good partnerships with Elliston and Hutcheon, before he eventually fell for 77 leaving the llama’s 155 - 7 with 14 overs still to play.

Reigate felt the chase was still on as it seemed Hutch was very keen to redeem himself after his opening bowling spell of 2 overs 0 for 22. The big Aussie was playing a cracking innings keeping us on the run rate and making Wimbledon stay quiet in the field as they fetched the ball from the fence twice an over. However unfortunately a lack of wickets in hand meant that Hutch had to reign it in and block out for a draw as the llama’s finished 213 - 9 with Hutcheon finishing 61*. A losing draw the final outcome after what was actually a cracking game of timed cricket.