As the temperatures rose to levels rarely seen in the UK, but more associated with Manilla, Gunnislake and Bugle gathered by the banks of the Tamar for what was to turn out to be a memorable and thrilling cricket match. Bugle, batting first, just missed maximum batting points in posting 196 for 8. Gunnislake finally overhauled that total in the penultimate over, also for the loss of 8 wickets. But there had been many twists and turns on the way.
Bugle won the toss and chose to bat but were soon in trouble when Bugle captain Grant Kennett was harshly judged LBW for 4. Gunnislake kept chipping away and despite a lightening fast outfield had reduced Bugle to 72 for 4 in the 18th over, with Robin Nicholls also retired hurt with a pulled hamstring. But Bugle opener Paul Gribble finally found a willing partner in Ben Shepherd. They steadily rebuilt the innings, and took advantage of Gunnislake being a bowler light, Lee Roberts dropping out of the match due to a family emergency. The score ramped up in quick time to 146 before Ian Dawe, returning to the fray, bowled Gribble for 64. The partnership of 74 had doubled the Bugle score who were now well back in the game. Gunnislake captain Dinesh Thirupuvanarajah switched his options around, but the fourth bowling spot went for a combined 81 runs from their ten overs as Bugle cashed in. Shepherd perished in the 39th over, caught at deep mid-on, with nine fours in an aggressive 61. Ian Dawe then grabbed two late wickets in his last over to finish with a five wicket haul as Bugle closed on 196 for 8.
Dan Pethick clears the ropes for six
The teams were scheduled to have drinks every ten overs, but the heat was oppressive and even the spectators were wilting in the shade. But after further drinks and a traditional cricket tea the rivalry recommenced. Gunnislake opened with star batsmen Dan Pethick (225 not out in the reverse fixture earlier in the season) and Mr Reliable, Jamie Wright. They were pleased to find a mixed bag of bowling from Bugle who were also without some of their regular bowlers. Pethick set off at pace and as he powered past 50, the WinViz predictor had Gunnislake firm favourites to win the match.
But with sweat running into his eyes Pethick edged Ben Nicholls behind to be out for 56. Suddenly it was a tight game.
Dinesh Thirupuvanarajah and Brian Martin were brief visitors to the crease, and all seemed to rest on Wright and number five Graham Murray. But Wright was in turn struggling in the sun. Trying to keep the score ticking over he called for a single that saw Murray run out for 18, leaving Gunnislake rocking on 130 for 4. WinViz had swung again, with Bugle in the driving seat.
Veteran Kevin Beare, a late inclusion in the side, now showed his experience and worth. A lovely straight drive for four got Gunnislake believing again. Ian Dawe provided able support, and at 174 for 5 Gunnislake were nearly there.
But both were bowled in quick succession, Beare by Gribble and Dawe by Nigel Couchman.
Jamie Wright, who had retired earlier due to the effects of the heat, bravely returned to the fray. He scuttled a couple of fours and two sets of four byes added to the Gunnislake total. Bugle claimed another wicket, but Wright was immovable, not giving his wicket away and indeed being barely able to run.
And so it fell to another Pethick, James Pethick and cousin to Dan, to become the unlikely hero for Gunnislake. He strode to the crease, hit a couple of quick fours and with little fuss it was all over. Gunnislake had scraped home by two wickets with ten balls to spare. Wright finished on a heroic 39 not out, while Couchman and Shepherd had two wickets each for Bugle.
James Pethick took Gunnislake to victory
It was a very close match, in doubt until the last, and it was fitting that Bugle with eight bonus points were only one behind Gunnislake. But Gunnislake took the additional ten points for the win, to consolidate their fifth place in the table. Bugle can take consolation for their part in one of the closest matches of the season.
Bugle 196 for 8 (P Gribble 64, B Shepherd 61; I Dawe 5-53). Gunnislake 199 for 8 (D Pethick 56, J Wright 39no, K Beare 20; B Shepherd 2-27, N Couchman 2-40). Gunnislake (19 points) beat Bugle (8 points) by two wickets.