Hunt plays a skipper's role as Mafia lift the play off cup
by Steve Spencer, 19th December 2007

Both semi finals proved to be disappointments as firstly Tricky Trees, minus captain Ant Johnson and star all-rounder Richard Stroh, who were unable to play due to other commitments, struggled against an in form Mafia side that had no problem reaching the modest 76 for 5 total set for no loss in 10 overs.

Langold have been scoring runs for fun recently and even after Killamarsh had set a demanding total of 127 for 5, with Paul Burdett 40 not out and Sam Malpass 32 not out,  I would not have ruled them out of the game at that stage. To be fair Langold were also well short of their regular team, but no one could have expected the collapse that followed as, apart from Adam Dutton with 16, the rest of the batting fell apart. Steve Ludlum (3 for 1) and captain Richard Crabtree (2 for 2) bowled them out for a season low 19.

The final was to prove a classic as, batting first, Killamarsh found it hard going against the Mafia attack with only Steve Ludlam (23) and Danny Parks, with 22, reaching double figures as they were bowled out in only 8.3 overs for a below par 73. Dave Hunt was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 8.

Mafia got off to a steady start in their reply but got bogged down as a superb spell of bowling by Steve Ludlam, who bowled his three overs taking two wickets for only three runs, got his side back in the game. Dan Marsh batted well for 22 not out but, when captain Dave Hunt faced the final ball of the game, his team still needed one to win. He responded by smashing a straight four to finish on 20 not out and give his side the Cricket First Play-Off Cup.

Thanks to all the teams taking part this season. Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Cheers Steve.