A match played in excellent spirit ended with the Spearheads on top by just 12 runs in the first annual John Ballendat trophy (pictured right). Huncote skipper won the toss and the 89's were asked to field on a sunny afternoon at the Spearing Waite Huncote bowl. James Brewin joined Pete Kirby at the crease, and a brisk scoring start saw two big sixes from Brewin. One big shot too many led to the downfall of Brewin, caught off the bowling of Ball for 18.

Pete Kirby added a couple of sixes before Wilkinson picked up his wicket for 35, and Mitch Hubbard added just 5 before the impressive youngster Ben Adcock had him caught in the deep. Tim Kirby and Schutz continued the brisk pace but Mark Bird kept things tight for the visitors. Mark Schutz the next to go bowled for 13 by Bird, with one six to his name. Tim Kirby continued the scoring and was well helped by young Frazer Hubbard. A few difficult chances went begging as Kirby passed his 50.

Some good late bowling from the 89's kept the score in check as Gransden accounted for Tim Kirby for 71 and Carl Sommer for just the one. Ball picked up the wicket of Scrimshire as Ben Crossley and Frazer Hubbard saw the score to 221-7. Davies and Finn bowled tidily for the away side, and a total to chase with a short boundary. Hubbard finished with an impressive 45 not out, including 3 sixes and a four.

Newbold looked to attack from the start, and although more cultured than the Huncote opening pair, they proved no less effective as Crossley and Sommer attempted to keep the score in check. Davies (pictured left) hit some big shots over the off side as Crowley added good support. Wayne Smith bowled a few tired but tidy overs before donning the gloves, but it was the change to spin that turned the match.

Mark Scrimshire picked up four wickets in an inspired spell, as Davies, Gransden, French and Stoughton all fell to the crafty off spinner. Crowley continued his good scoring, but fell on 48 bowled by Peter Kirby. Willet added some lusty blows, with 2 sixes off Kirby's slow bowling, but Mark Bird upped the run chase, now at around 8 an over. Bird came in once Willet had holed out to Frazer Hubbard off Farmer's bowling. Some interesting bowling all round and it was down to the last few overs. Hubbard caught and bowled Finn to leave Wilkinson and Bird the unlikely task of 13 off the last Schutz over. The bowler though picked up a double wicket maiden, with Bird and Ball gone.

Huncote win by 12 runs, but Ball left the game with the champagne moment, throwing his bat high in the air twice. The second swing left his middle stump out the ground, but the enthusiastic youngster did not realise, picking up his bat to face again! A great game and Mark Scrimshire (pictured right) picked up the Man of the Match trophy. Mark just took the honours over Crowley whose excellent innings kept the match in the balance. Huncote now the holders of the prestigious trophy, but the 89's will be determined to win it back next year.

Man of the Match- Mark Scrimshire

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