Match Report
Although shorn of six key players for this crucial semi final clash, skipper Tim Rawstron was delighted with the great hearted performance of his remaining regulars and spirited deputies against high flying Postal.
On a pitch of the most variable bounce, Vijay Chandrasekar showed great vigilance and judgement in carrying his bat for an unbeaten 52 and this was more than twice the next highest score in the match. His colleagues mostly perished to fine, unplayable deliveries and some stunning catches from quality opponents.
In their bowling reply, St Annes made Postal battle all the way as they bowled and fielded with enormous determination, using the pitch to their best advantage. After a fierce opening blast from Gary Woods and Kuttappan Manoj, a great stranglehold was applied by Mike Harris and Tom Heap and when Phalash Whalishetti earned an lbw decision with his first ball, the unthinkable just looked possible. But John O'Connor and skipper John Tite held firm and guided them home to a target that was sadly too small. In a sparkling fielding performance, Simon Hurst, Liam Bell and Stephen Lowcock were outstanding.
