OLD HARDYEANS 179-9 beat THOMAS HARDYE SCHOOL 174-8 by five runs

THE Old Hardyeans overcame the current team of Thomas Hardye School by only five runs, in a close run contest held annually between the two sides.

In the dramatic final two overs, Thomas Hardye School needed 10 runs to win with four wickets left in the annual clash against the old boys of the school.

A current school victory seemed certain, however, tight bowling by the experienced old boys resulted in the School XI still needing five to win off the last ball.

And a fine stumping by Nick Roe saw the Old Hardyeans secure victory.

As tradition dictates, the old boys batted first.

But they were soon in trouble, losing Dorchester club captain Simon Mitchem early for one to a sharp delivery from George Foot.

James Dunham (31) and Josh Foot (27) then batted sensibly, putting on 50 for the next wicket.

A mid-order collapse then followed with Matt Porter, Sam Roles, Steve Clifford and Dan Belt all going cheaply.

But a late revival by Martin Richards (34no) and Simon Joslin (29) took the Old Hardyeans to a respectable 179-9 off the full 30 overs.

The School had bowled well in batting-friendly conditions – Nick MacCloud was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2-19 from his six overs.

George Foot took 2-30 and Dan Stevens 2-26.

After a superb tea, Thomas Hardye School set about the challenging total with gusto.

Openers Ben Macklin (31) and Jonny Stewart (51) put on 70 for the first wicket in just nine overs.

Orlando Bailey (43) played well in the middle order, with George Foot (13) hitting a huge six into the school.

The introduction of off-spin however, turned the game, with Josh Foot taking 2-34 and Sam Roles 2-27.

Two sharp run-outs also helped the Old Hardyeans’ cause as they managed to hold their nerve with the game going down to the wire to secure victory.

“This was an excellent performance by a young School team, who pushed our experienced Old Hardyeans side to the very last ball,” said Old Hardyeans’ captain Tony Foot.

“Despite very few cricket fixtures on the calendar these days, due to other school pressures, head of sport, Geraint Hughes, continues to produce cricketers of real skill and composure.”

At the end of the annual fixture, Old Hardyeans’ president Tony Day presented the Colin Lucas Cup to old boys’ captain Tony Foot, who was playing for the 41st year since leaving Hardye’s School in 1976.