Newquay completed the double over Gunnislake on Saturday when they made the long trip to Gunnislake. Set a target of 158 to win they were looking good, but Gunnislake’s bowlers chipped away in response and always seemed in with a chance. Newquay eventually limped home with three wickets to spare as they closed on 158 for 7.
Gunnislake won the toss and chose to bat on what has become a traditional hot and sunny day. The team had a tricky start with both openers back in the dressing room with only 30 runs on the board. Paul Hollow, missing for much of the season due to work and family commitments, was, however, playing as if he had never been away. He peppered the offside boundary with some lovely drives, all along the ground and the score continued to advance at five an over. At the other end the batsmen fared less well, with Newquay gratefully accepting the proffered catching practice. When Hollow was bowled for 43, the Gunnislake were once again in trouble at 86 for 6.
Paul Hollow in full flow.
On this occasion the usual collapse was averted as number 7 Kevin Beare led a spirited rearguard action. A pulled hamstring slowed him down but he fought valiantly on, with notable support from Stephen Lees and Ian Dawe. Beare was left stranded on 30 not out, a heroic performance, as Gunnislake closed on 157 all out, three runs short of a fourth batting point. Mohammed Tahir (swinging the ball) and Nazim Ismail (bowling a mix of seam, off-spin and leg breaks) were the pick of the Newquay bowlers with three wickets each.
Newquay’s reply was an aggressive one and they were always ahead of the run rate. Danny Davies got the first breakthrough for Gunnislake when a lifting ball was top-edged to the keeper, Nico Christian falling for 14. Graham Murray, fresh from his five wickets against Launceston, then joined in the fray with three wickets, to leave Newquay on 106 for 4. His scalps included opener Mike Anatol, bowled for 34. But the wise head of Sam Millatt kept his cool at one end as the target required steadily decreased. When Tahir was bowled by Dawe excitement mounted as Gunnislake sensed the chance of an unexpected victory. Millatt was joined by Arun Kumar, and with plenty of overs to spare their scoring rate slowed to a trickle as no chances were taken. Fresh from his batting exploits Paul Hollow then got both men out, Millatt offering a firm catch to silly mid-off first out for 24. Kumar then tried to hit the ball out of the ground but completely missed it and lost his off-stump as a consequence. Seven down! But by now the score had crept to 148, only ten short of victory. The remaining runs were quickly knocked off and once again Gunnislake were left to rue a below par batting display.
Now a lowly eighth in the league, Gunnislake have their final two games against the two teams below them in the table: Luckett II and Holsworthy II. A chance to manage a late climb up the table, or a risk of a disastrous relegation? Finger nails are being chewed……
Iconic Opticians Man of the Match: Paul Hollow
Gunnislake 157 all out (P Hollow 43, K Beare 30no; M Tahir 3-27, N Ismail 3-31), Newquay III 158 – 7 (M Anatol 32, S Millatt 24; G Murray 3-48, P Hollow 2-23). Newquay (19 points) beat Gunnislake (6 points) by 3 wickets.