Felling win a thriller as run-fest goes to the wire
FELLING made the short trip across the River Tyne to play Benwell Hill at Denton Bank, writes Steve Clarke.
In an incredible game and run-fest, the visitors scraped home by two wickets, in the last over of the match.
Both teams were looking for the win for different reasons, as the Hill were trying to push themselves into the top five, while Felling were keen for points to get away from the relegation zone.
The home side won the toss and decided to bat first, scoring a massive 347-3 declared, thanks largely to opener James Schofield who made an excellent 117 not out, from 141 balls, which included 17 fours.
Jacques Snyman then obliterated the bowling attack, smashing 173 off 108 balls, which included 19 fours and nine sixes, as they put on 257 together for the second wicket.
Skipper Kyle Coetzer then came to the crease and added 37 near the end of the innings.
Felling needed a positive start if there was going to be a run chase, and they got exactly that from the openers. Phil Mustard smashed 145 off 132 balls, which included 19 fours and six sixes, and Joe Carroll made 50 not out as they put on 149 for the first wicket.
Although they then wobbled a bit, with Rory Hanley taking two wickets and Jacques Snyman returning 3-64, Matthew Witty with 50 off 48 balls and Josh Eaton scoring 49, from just 29 balls, they eased their side home to a memorable victory by just two wickets off the last ball of the match, ending up on 348-8, to claim a crucial 23 points from the game.
Benwell’s Secretary Keith Shaw said: “In the game, there were a total of 695 runs scored and 11 wickets taken, with the game going right down to the last ball, on a very good wicket and it was a delight for all those who witnessed the game.”