Match Report

Rodmersham won this cliff-hanger against the league leaders by one wicket in the final over. City of London batted first and never really got into their stride against a Rodmersham side that decided containment was the order of the day in such perfect batting conditions. Robin Bailey(78) played the sheet anchor role but only found real support from Matthew Issacs(39). Outstanding with the ball was Piet Botha (6 for 64) who received good support from the other bowlers and was backed up by excellent fielding.

Chasing 193 for victory, Rodmersham were reduced to 18 for 3 by a devastating spell of pace bowling from Matthew Issacs(3 for 27). Colin Mason(67*) then joined Piet Botha(79) in a partnership of 142 for the fourth wicket. With the score at 160 for 3 and 34 needed for victory from 12 overs, Rodmersham were in the comfort zone. The departure of Piet Botha triggered an all too familiar collapse as the score was reduced to 175 for 9 after 46 overs. Colin Mason, who had kept his head whilst all around him were losing theirs, set about scoring the required 18 runs from the final 4 overs. With 7 runs required from the last over, Darren Nokes became the hero of the hour when he stroked the fourth ball to the boundary to give Rodmersham the narrowest of victories.