A remarkable batting performance by Milford legend Chris Hammond combined with some poor control by the Sway III bowlers saw 4-man Milford beat Sway III - despite needing 40-odd runs off the final 2 overs.

Whilst on the face of it having only 4 players would appear to be a massive disadvantage, it is easier said than  to exploit. This is primarily because the batting potential is not necessarily affected much as good batsmen more opportunity to bat, providing they don't get themselves out. 

Casting an eye therefore over Mildford's line up, experienced watchers of the indoor game suspected they might be in for a treat....and so it proved as Milford never gave up hope whilst Sway snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at the death.

Sway batted first and, despite losing Tony Owen (run-out 3) early,  made solid if unspectacular progress with  Matt Brearley (33) and Andy Glasspool (28*) working the ball into the back corners where of course Milford has no fielders. Milford were bowling a tidy line however and claimed the wicket of skipper Steve Keen when he over estimated the length of his own stride on a forward defensive - chipping a c&b. Steve Drayton (21) played some excellent shots including a classy off-drive but was eventually bowled by Bond whilst try to accelerate the scoring with a more agricultural shot. It was left to Ian Stone (19*) and the returning Glasspool to see Sway upto 151-4 including from Milford perspective a rather disappointing 44 in extras.

In reply Hammond & Chris Brockhart started off very aggressively with Hammond in particular taking no prisoners. Both players were soon retired with Milford looking like they might pull off an unlikely victory. Sway however did manage to slow the rate of scoring considerably and took a couple of wickets. Unfortunately this had the effect of bringing Hammond back to the crease who continued where he had left off. However with just a few overs to go it seemed as if Sway would prevail and Milford needed 36 or so off the last 2 overs. Steve Drayton bowled the penultimate over and disaster struck with 3 wides gifting Milford 10 runs. With Hammond smashing several boundaries, amazingly Milford managed to wrap the game up with 4 balls to spare.

3rds   SWAY    151-4    

Tony Owen     3 run out     

Matt Brearley  33  run out  

The Dark Lord  28 retired   

 Keeno   3   ct+bwd  Hammond    

Steve D   bwd Bond   

Ian  19 not out    

EXTRAS   44    JAKE BOCKHART   0-30    JACK THEROUX   0-39   CHRIS BOND    1-39    CHRIS HAMMOND   1-32

 
Milford on Sea    

HAMMOND  73 N.O   

BOCKHART  30 N.O     

BOND 24  ct+bwd Stone   

THEROUX   6  run out   

EXTRAS   21     

SD   0-46  3wides   

MB   2.2 0 22 0  1 wide  

IS    1-39   3 no balls     

TO    0-47   2 wides