Evergreen Paul Draper (pictured right) used all his experience and know how to usher South Wilts II to a one-wicket win off the penultimate ball of a Southern Premier League Division 2 thriller at Hambledon.
He hit an unbeaten 45 and came to the crease after his 18-year old son Ben (left) had hit 52. But three-wicket spells by Pradeep Bains (3-46) and Mbulelo Nkomo (3-33) had left South Wilts in difficulty at 119-6 chasing the Dons’ 238 all out.
For long periods it appeared as though the maiden century scored by Will Bond (104) would be a match winner for Hambledon.
But, initially supported by Stephen Kydd (28), Draper eked out precious runs, nothing elaborate (he only hit two boundaries), just one’s and two’s to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Dom Webb (18) and Marc Burton (22) played key support roles, but when the ninth wicket fell, South Wilts were still 12 runs light – but Draper was still at the crease and went on to win the game …
He hit an unbeaten 45 and came to the crease after his 18-year old son Ben (left) had hit 52. But three-wicket spells by Pradeep Bains (3-46) and Mbulelo Nkomo (3-33) had left South Wilts in difficulty at 119-6 chasing the Dons’ 238 all out.
For long periods it appeared as though the maiden century scored by Will Bond (104) would be a match winner for Hambledon.
But, initially supported by Stephen Kydd (28), Draper eked out precious runs, nothing elaborate (he only hit two boundaries), just one’s and two’s to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Dom Webb (18) and Marc Burton (22) played key support roles, but when the ninth wicket fell, South Wilts were still 12 runs light – but Draper was still at the crease and went on to win the game …
