Despite the recent appearance of actual summer weather, Burghley 2s were met with grey overcast skies in Grantham. James Biggs lost the toss and was invited to bowl first – a decision that suited the game plan for the 2s. Due to a quirk with the ground at Grantham, all the bowling took place from one end of the ground.

James and Lewis Banthorpe took the new ball and started as they had all season, bowling tight lines and presenting little in the way of scoring opportunities. Banthorpe was unlucky not to claim a wicket in his first spell, with chances being put down. Biggs meanwhile was able to make in-roads, claiming Toby Cullen LBW for 3 and Tito Thomas bowled for 15. Following the opening bowlers, who each had 5-over spells, was the pace of Charlie Biggs and spin of Will Portlock. Both bowlers struggled to nail their line and length, and whilst Biggs picked up the wicket of Oliver Parr for 12, both were expensive. Replacing Biggs was David Popple, who equally struggled to find a consistent line and length, and Harry Armstrong replaced Portlock. Armstrong was able to put the ball in good areas and was able to create more breakthroughs for Burghley, taking the wickets of Thomas Parr (58) and Luke Kennedy-Short (22) thanks to the quick reactions of his dad Chris behind the stumps! In a bid to wrestle back some control, Biggs Snr brought Banthorpe back on for his second spell, and it soon had the desired effect. In his second over back, two wickets fell that turned the tide back into Burghley’s favour. Firstly an excellent direct hit from Charlie Biggs ran out Mangineni, then three balls later Banthorpe bowled Hasan for a duck. Following Harry’s excellent 9-over spell, which yielded figures of 2/21, Biggs brought himself back on and had a breakthrough with his first ball. In truth, what was a drag-down loosener was chipped to Steve Harker-Brown in cover and easy caught. Biggs Jnr came on to replace Banthorpe once he has bowled his full allocation – his reintroduction putting the pressure back on Grantham. Charlie was able to claim his second wicket, and the final of the innings, bowling Ian Mihill for 1. This meant that Burghley needed to chase down 151 to claim the league title.

In what could be argued as ‘typical Burghley fashion’, the run chase was less than straightforward. The opening partnership of Chris Armstrong and Bradley Hurn was soon to split as Hurn chased a delivery that found his outside edge and he departed for one. This brought Steve Harker-Brown to the middle, and a partnership began to form. However, on a tricky pitch it was proving difficult to settle, and although Harker-Brown was able to put away some bad balls he mistimed a pull shot and offered up a simple chance to mid-wicket which was taken. Meanwhile Armstrong began to settle and take advantage of the loose balls. With Chris lookin in touch, it should have been a case of partnerships working with Chris to close in on the target, however a succession of wickets saw the following come and go whilst Chris remained steadfast: Matt Davies (9), Lewis Banthorpe (4), Angus MacBeth (0) and James Biggs (4). By the time Charlie Biggs made his way to the middle at number 8 Burghley were on 100/6 and still requiring 52 runs to win. However, another display of mature batting and classy stroke play saw Charlie become only the third player to pass double figures as he and Chris began to home in on the target. Unfortunately Charlie tried to loft the ball over the in-field but was not able to get enough on his shot and was caught for 21, but not before he and Chris had put on a 41 run partnership. David Popple’s stay at the crease was brief as he was impressively caught at cover from his second ball. This meant Harry Armstrong joined his dad in the middle with 9 runs required. The pair nudged their way to the target, and with two runs required, Harry was able to slap one through cover for 4 to secure the win, and the league title, with his dad unbeaten on 83 at the other end!

It has truly been a fantastic season for the Burghley Park 2s this year, with excellent fight and spirit shown all season – typified in Chris’s innings that won us the game. This has meant the title has been wrapped up with two games to spare – a momentous achievement for the team and club!

This match was sponsored by The Stamford Marquee Company