HNCC 2nd Division pulled off their third win out from five games with an exciting finish at Frimley Park on Saturday. Electing to field Havelock did not get the break throughs they hoped for despite some tight bowling in the first 20 overs. After a fifty partnership from the NOBM Hobblers openers two quick wickets put the pressure back on the away team and they were 76 for 2 at half time drinks break. All the bowlers bowled well although again some dropped catches and loose fielding allowed the Hobblers to end up with a respectable 176 for 6 at the completion of their 40 overs. The wickets were shared between Alex Philip (1-26), Sophie Pyott (2-50), Guy Reeves (1- 19), Liam Reeves (1-11) and Andy Reeves (1-32).
The Havelock reply started well with an opening stand between L Reeves (34) and Rishabh Sharma putting on a swift 39 but after the loss of both openers and two further wickets falling quickly the situation looked less rosy at 55 for 4. There was a need for a rebuild to get close to what now seemed a large target and an excellent stand of 68 runs between Rogan Ross (25) and Guy Reeves (70) did exactly that. G Reeves’ 70 came off just 68 balls and contained 7 fours and 2 sixes. With the winning line in sight G Reeves played one big shot too many leaving HNCC still nervously 15 runs short with just three wickets left. However, there was nothing to fear as Alex Philip (12no) took HNCC to the 180 for 7 needed for victory by playing some powerful shots and allowing the captain to hit the winning boundary with still 2 overs to spare.