Four from four - what a debut!
by Alan Rowley, 23rd June 2004

Friendly cricket rarely gets a mention, either on this site or anywhere else. There are often some notable performances in this type of cricket that rarely get the credit they deserve. One such performance was 16 year old Martin Lowe playing for Ernhale Cricket Club against University Commodore last weekend.

Darren Shaw, who plays league cricket for Awsworth on Saturdays, also plays for Ernhale on Sundays. He told 'the follow on' "I'm in my sixth year of cricket for Ernhale and a great six years it's been. We play many teams each year, along with some new ones thrown in here and there, not forgetting the tour every year. However, a few years ago we were struggling for players, and it was decided that we needed to inject some new blood into the side. This we did with great success with young uns from 13-16 joining us oldies."

One of these 'young uns' was Martin Lowe, described by Shaw as a 'slight lad around five feet tall and about 16 years old'. Martin played his first game for Ernhale on Sunday, when they managed to fit a 35 over game in between the showers, against old rivals University Commodore.

Shaw said: "They thrashed us last year and our experienced opening bowlers were struggling to take wickets this time. Commodore were on target for another victory."

Ernhale skipper Sid James then threw the ball to young Lowe and James' inspiration was soon rewarded. The left armer notched up a hat trick with the third, fourth and fifth balls of his first over. He made it four from four when his final ball of the over sent the middle stump flying. What a debut!

More was to follow as, despite being hit for a lucky four, Lowe bagged two more wickets to finish on 6 for 6 from his four overs, steering Ernhale to an unforgettable victory.

Shaw said: "I think this deserves a mention somewhere. I hope you can give the young man a mention on your site." We agree Darren - well done Martin!