Cirencester Cricket Club > News > November 2003 > Rich Hudson and Andy Cooper star in thrilling runchase

Rich Hudson and Andy Cooper star in thrilling runchase
Sunday 2 November 2003

Cirencester (94/2) beat Swindon Civil Service 2 (94 all out) on fewer wickets lost
[Scorecard]

Cirencester and Swindon Civil Service 2 were both relegated from Division 3 last season but improved performances this time around had seen both sides compile 100% winning records up until this clash. Captain Andy Cooper won the toss and stuck to his side's tried and tested method of bowling first.

Cirencester's opening bowlers contrived to bowl three tight overs that resulted in two wickets as Dan Hudson ran out both Page and Hamid from square leg. This brought Townsend to the crease and his robust straight hitting, in partnership with the patient Heffernan, proceeded to give Swindon Civil Service 2 the impetus that they required.

Townsend's fifth boundary meant that he had to retire and this provided a much needed opening into the Civil Service batting line-up as next ball Dan Hudson bowled Harris through the gate. The third wicket to fall in quick succession was thanks to Cooper's low catch to dismiss Heffernan off the bowling of Dan Robbins. Civil Service captain Shelley kept the runs ticking over as he nudged an important 20 runs to ensure that his side reached a very competitive score of 94 before Robbins' direct hit closed the innings.

A positive start was vital if Cirencester were going to gain the points and they were relieved to see their opening batsmen Rich and Dan Hudson scoring 16 off the first over. Swift running and a powerful straight six from Dan Hudson seemed to have set the tone but in the next over spinner Townsend enticed Dan Hudson to hit the ball onto the roof.

This brought key batsman Cooper to the wicket and what followed proved to be the winning partnership. Rich Hudson manipulated the gaps superbly to retire unbeaten on 26 for the first time in the SICA.

Cooper's placement meant that Cirencester were always up with the required run rate and after he too retired for a well compiled 25, Robbins ran well in between the wickets before being caught by Heffernan off the bowling of Shelley.

With six balls remaining Cirencester needed seven runs to pull off their third successive victory. A combination of composed batting by Tom Burgess and wicket-keeper Matt Carter and calm bowling from Townsend meant that Cirencester were able to collect six of those runs.

However, due to Cirencester losing four fewer wickets than their opponents, they were able to celebrate victory and continue their promotion challenge.