Match Report
A winning draw in a game where St Annes had always been on top was a mere two point margin from league runners up spot - a position that Tim Rawstron and his team would have readily accepted early-season and a reflection of their later form when they only lost once in the last twelve matches.
Comrades asked them to bat first on a wicket heavily affected by earlier rain and after losing both openers for 19, Vijay Chandrasekar (33) and Nigel Connolly (60) put on 81 for the third wicket. Connolly was especially hard on any wayward bowling - striking seven sixes and finishing the season as leading batsman with an average of over 30. The impetus was later continued by Mick Renshaw, Peter Jackson and Adrian Speakman as they powered to maximum batting points.
Mindful of the tight situation at the top of the league, a win was a must and Tim Rawstron tried to shuffle around his bowling pack to best effect. Leading and most economical wicket taker, veteran Tom Heap and young Peter Jackson bowled well without reward but Gary Woods produced a sustained and fiery spell of 12 overs for 4-17, receiving excellent support from Mick Auty (2-11) and Nigel Connolly (1-9).
A bridge too far with St Annes taking 10 points to Comrades' 3.
