Last-wicket heroics lift Leopold over the line
A SUPERB 70-run final wicket stand from Lachlan Alford and Ben Horne carried Leopold to a thrilling victory over St Joseph’s at the College.
The pair came together with the Lions on the ropes at 9-206 in pursuit of 257 for victory and proceeded to propel the visitors to a 10th-wicket victory for the second time this season.
“We just said going from the Murghe game we can win from anywhere, so back ourselves in because we know we bat right down to 11,” elated Lions’ captain Tim Marshall said.
“We were always ahead of the runs required, so the boys just knuckled down and went out there and did the job.”
Alford hammered a 60-ball 63, comprising seven boundaries, while Horne was unbeaten on 13 to be a part of Leopold’s last-wicket heroics for a second time this season.
With opener Martyn East contributing 37, the Lions started well enough, reaching 1-50, before slumping to 5-60 as Leigh Kentish (5-58) troubled the visitors with his movement of the wearing ball.
“Fortunately, Dave Ford came in and steadied the ship with Lachie Cameron,” Marshall said. “They put on 60 or 70 and we felt that if we could knock some partnerships together we were always going to be in the game.”
As the game ebbed and flowed, Leopold’s chances looked slim at 8-141, soon after tea, before Cameron (58) and Alford combined for a 65-run, ninth-wicket partnership.
“For two blokes to make their maiden first X1 50s just showed maturity beyond their years,” Marshall said.
“They summed up the situation beautifully, knocked around the singles and hit the bad ball for four.”
Apart from Kentish, the Saints were best served by Austin Humphrey (2-37) and Jack O’Donoghue (2-69).