Match Report Bures Vs Halsteadhill 08/08/02
Halstead Knockout Cup Final
Bures Toppled by Makeshift Side!
Bures suffered defeat again tonight, this time in the final of the Halstead KO Cup at Star Stile. Unusually, Halstead were at less than full strength for this Cup Final, fielding only five of their own players but making up numbers with two strong Haverhill players and inexplicably, a few makeweights who played no tangible role in the game.
Bures batted first but made reasonable progress against an accurate attack despite the cheap loss of Captain Amos. A very intelligent 38 from Lewis and some very capable support from the lower order saw Bures closing at 115 for 9 off 20 overs. This looked a defendable total, but Halstead unleashed the full might of first-eleven batsman Cooper who with 62 not out and solid support from Haverhill's Winter and fellow Halsteadian Rose, the total was reached in just 17 overs.
The subsequent presentation was shrouded in mystery. Organiser Charles Revell, having clearly been on the juice, made reference to the winners as Helions Bumpstead in his speech! Whatever was he thinking of? And just what were the two guys wearing Helions Bumpstead cricket shirts doing there?
And so once again, the strong town side prevailed over Bures the minnow. But how much longer I wonder before the last of the proper village clubs pull out of this competition, in protest at its domination by the major town sides?
Match photos here