London Metro vs Sussex Sharks Visually Impaired

London Metro vs Sussex Sharks VI: Sharks Sitting Top of the League

On Saturday 6th July second place Sussex hosted league leaders London Metro at Blackstone on a blustery day. The threat of rain never materialised except for a couple of brief showers and having won the toss, Metro had no hesitation in asking their hosts to bat.

It was clear the gusty wind was going to play a  role as the early overs saw extras play a large part and the Sharks openers struggled to time the ball. 

The Sharks innings began to pick up pace as Si Ledwith (83* ) and Dan Field (94) upped the scoring rate and it looked as though  an early declaration would be called. 

After Dan departed the scoring rate slowed and the Sharks finally declared at the end of the 30th over with the score on 234 for 5. This meant the Sharks had secured all four batting bonus points whilst Metro had secured just the two bowling points.

As the wind died down and Metro began their innings, the usually miserly Sharks attack were guilty of giving too many loose deliveries which were mercilessly punished by the Metro openers. 

Nick Ebeck was the first wicket to fall on 77, but at the halfway stage Metro were looking on course to overhaul the Sharks total.

The game turned when Matt Dean who had scored 83 off just 53 balls was caught spectacularly by Callum Weir at backward square. 

At this point Metro, were 134 for 2  and whilst the win was still possible they were caught in two minds as to whether to chase hard, or dig in for the draw. 

Wickets began to fall but Metro looked to have plenty in hand. In desperation, Dan threw the ball to part timer Mark Bond, his loopy leg spin inducing false shots and his 2-8  then opened the door. 

Phil Daniels then cleaned up the stubborn Sam Hoskins and the unlikeliest of wins seemed possible. 

Callum Weir was handed the ball for the last over with Metro having two wickets left. Skipper Rory Field dealt with the first four balls solidly before inexplicably playing a shot and being clean-bowled. 

This left totally blind Hashmuk Mtha with 1  ball to defend to save the game. He duly gently patted it back for Metro to secure the draw.

Metro's 175-9 meant they had secured three batting points whilst Sussex gained all four bowling points. This proved significant as Sussex's 14 points versus Metro's 11 saw the home team move to the top of division one,  just two points ahead of Metro at the halfway stage of the competition.