Chris Morgan led with an unbeaten half-century in an unbroken 65-run tenth wicket stand as Havant scrambled a dramatic last ball victory over ECB Southern Premier Division title hopefuls St Cross Symondians.
The Winchester visitors appeared set to repeat the previous season’s success when, having posted a competitive 265-8, they reduced Havant to 201-9.
But, using his own initiative, Morgan cracked 55 not out and with reliable Australian Tom Vanderslik (20 not out) alongside, steered Havant to a thrilling and remarkable win.
There were still 11 overs left when Kiwi left-arm spinner George Worker (3-112) took the ninth Havant wicket.
But instead of driving home the initiative, St Cross gave Havant’s last pair the scope to add those previous 65 runs and turn the match on its head.
As the Time pennant game reached its climax, Havant required 35 off the final five overs, five runs off Worker’s last over and then two runs off the very last ball, which Morgan hit to deep mid-wicket to kick start Havant’s celebrations.
How ironic it was that Morgan, pictured above, should engineer Havant’s last ball victory.
Twelve months ago, he was the left-arm spin bowler Harry Foyle hoisted for six to give St Cross Symondians a last-ball win of their own in Havant’s back yard.
Havant’s Ben Walker was a relieved captain.
“It was an unbelievable effort from our last wicket pair,” he said. “What we witnessed was almost unreal. They both did exceptionally well in what was virtually a lost cause.”
Walker admitted Havant had been second best throughout.
"Until Chris and Tim came together we had been off the pace and outplayed by St Cross for much of the game. To be honest, I had virtually resigned myself to defeat.”
Earlier, opener Tom Foyle got St Cross off to a flier, hitting a six and nine fours in a crash-bang 66, which enabled Luke Kimber (30), Worker (36) and Adam Rouse (30) to steer the Winchester side to a formidable 176-5 by lunch.
Greg Hollins then cracked a lively 67 to push St Cross on to a seemingly safe 265-8 declared (Richard Hindley 3-47).
Havant struggled to 74-4 before Stuart Ransley (45) and Hindley (45) repaired the damage.
But Worker, aided by Tabs Farooq and Charlie Ayres, continued to chip away and when Havant were 201-9 they were within a wicket of victory.
Morgan and Vanderslik ensured it didn’t quite work out like that …
The Winchester visitors appeared set to repeat the previous season’s success when, having posted a competitive 265-8, they reduced Havant to 201-9.
But, using his own initiative, Morgan cracked 55 not out and with reliable Australian Tom Vanderslik (20 not out) alongside, steered Havant to a thrilling and remarkable win.
There were still 11 overs left when Kiwi left-arm spinner George Worker (3-112) took the ninth Havant wicket.
But instead of driving home the initiative, St Cross gave Havant’s last pair the scope to add those previous 65 runs and turn the match on its head.
As the Time pennant game reached its climax, Havant required 35 off the final five overs, five runs off Worker’s last over and then two runs off the very last ball, which Morgan hit to deep mid-wicket to kick start Havant’s celebrations.
How ironic it was that Morgan, pictured above, should engineer Havant’s last ball victory.
Twelve months ago, he was the left-arm spin bowler Harry Foyle hoisted for six to give St Cross Symondians a last-ball win of their own in Havant’s back yard.
Havant’s Ben Walker was a relieved captain.
“It was an unbelievable effort from our last wicket pair,” he said. “What we witnessed was almost unreal. They both did exceptionally well in what was virtually a lost cause.”
Walker admitted Havant had been second best throughout.
"Until Chris and Tim came together we had been off the pace and outplayed by St Cross for much of the game. To be honest, I had virtually resigned myself to defeat.”
Earlier, opener Tom Foyle got St Cross off to a flier, hitting a six and nine fours in a crash-bang 66, which enabled Luke Kimber (30), Worker (36) and Adam Rouse (30) to steer the Winchester side to a formidable 176-5 by lunch.
Greg Hollins then cracked a lively 67 to push St Cross on to a seemingly safe 265-8 declared (Richard Hindley 3-47).
Havant struggled to 74-4 before Stuart Ransley (45) and Hindley (45) repaired the damage.
But Worker, aided by Tabs Farooq and Charlie Ayres, continued to chip away and when Havant were 201-9 they were within a wicket of victory.
Morgan and Vanderslik ensured it didn’t quite work out like that …