It’s just not cricket for batsman denied ton

A YOUNG cricketer was denied his first century when an opponent hurled the ball off the pitch.

Jay Darrell was on 98 for Minehead, who needed two runs to win against Bristol’s Purnell Cricket Club in the Somerset League.

But his hope of a century was dashed when a Purnell bowler deliberately bowled a no-ball that went for four, thus ending the match and denying Mr Darrell his coveted ton.

Later, Minehead Cricket Club tweeted: “Not nice to see. Respect to the captain who apologised to the batsman on behalf of his bowler. But some things just can’t be undone.”

A supporter commented: “A young lad on for his first league 100 and the bowler throws it over the ropes and then laughs about it. Credit to his team – they were just as disgusted.”

Mr Darrell did not seem too upset. He wrote: “Hell of a game today, shame the way it ended but oh well.”

Purnell says the matter will be dealt with internally.