Blackheath did the double over Hayes last season – the only club to do so as we stormed the Premier League.
This season we won the first encounter by the smallest of margins when Andy Eddicott got 4 leg-byes for a 1 wicket win!
With both sides in the wrong half of the table, it was a crucial game and on a green looking wicket, The Heath had no hesitation in inviting Hayes to bat.
Wickets fell steadily and it looked like the home side had made the correct decision – Alex Blake made 30 and Will MacVicar 19, as the bats struggled. At 81-7 the bowlers were very much on top and Blackheath did have a good seam attack.
Scott Gallagher started a fight-back and along with Andy Eddiiott put on a crucial 24 for the last wicket – Scott was last man out on 22 and Andy made a fine 3 form the 10 balls he faced.
Blackheath also found batting tough but their opening pair batted well – it wasn’t until the introduction of Alfie Peck that Hayes managed a wicket but at 60-1, the Heath looked in control.
Alfie then took 2 quick wickets and with Will MacVicar returning to the attack and striking quickly, Hayes began to believe.
60-1 became 94-7 – 4 for Alfie, 2 for Will and 1 for Stuart Eddicott – but had Hayes left it too late?
Alex Blake was introduced into the attack with Blackheath needing 9 to win and 3 wickets in hand. Alex took a wicket immediately but then the last wicket paid pushed the score to 123-8 – one to tie and 2 to win.
Incredibly another twist as Alex took another wicket.
Andy Eddicott then trundled in and the Blackheath skipper looked to smash the ball to the boundary – only for Alfie Peck to take a fine running catch!
A stunning victory and one that will be remembered for years to come!
Hayes move to 6th in the table – 3 matches to go and a crucial game this weekend against bottom side Holmesdale.
The high-flying 2nd XI had a home fixture against Canterbury.
Canterbury elected to bat and at 80-2 it looked a wise decision – Joe Cotton and Luca Baker taking the early wickets. However, the introduction of skipper Grant Sheen into the attack saw the tide turn – 4-24 showed Grant is still a class bowler. John White bowled a wicketless spell nut his 10 overs went for only 13 runs as Hayes turned the screw.
Joel Couldrey and Finlay Baker also took 2 a piece as Hayes rattled through the visitors – skittling them for 141.
Another highlight was the stunning catching display from Joe Cotton – after taking a caught & bowled he followed it up with 5 more catches – 6 matches in a Kent League game is a Hayes record and may well be a club record – a stunning performance!
A fast start from openers James Bamber (38) and Miguel Barbosa (22) was followed up by an unbeaten 40 from Joel Couldrey and 26* from Grant as Hayes made sure there would be no scares in chasing down the total and a great 18 points.
With 3 games to play, Hayes are handily placed in 2nd place.
The 3rd XI hosted Orpington on The Meadow and were invited to field.
The batting was overshadowed by a stunning innings from Matt Warne – 15 boundaries in an unbeaten 118 saw Hayes pile on an imposing 214. Sam Aylwin (24) and an unbeaten 24 from Colin Couldrey, kept Matt company.
The Hayes bowlers ensured they continued to dominate the game – 2 for Colin, 2 for Graeme Morrison and Sam Carter and 3 for MD Belal saw the visitors bowled out for 128.
In a very tight league, Hayes are 3rd with all to play for.
The 4’s travelled to Dartfordians and were invited to field.
In a game dominated by the ball, Hayes restricted the home side to 134 in their 40 overs – wickets were spread around – Ronnie Buddin being the pick with 1-11 in his 7 overs.
In a low scoring game, skipper Rob Taylor (21), Ollie Molsher (15), Dipesh Joshi (25), Rosanna Smith (14) and Joe Wisbey (12) got Hayes close to winning but in the end the home side scraped a 6-run win!
Sunday was another busy day with the Women away to Bexley, the Development side also away to Bexley and the Sunday Legends home to Crusaders – with West Wickham Football Club hosting Old Wilsonians on The Meadow.
The women batted first and Emily Barratt starred with the bat – scoring exactly 100 in a total of 252.
Chelsea Rowson (38), Zeena Bilal (31) Sydney Gorham (29) and Zoe Hainsworth (15) all chipping-in.
Hayes used all 10 outfielders in their bowling attack as they made short work of bowling Bexley out for 134 in the 36th over – 2-11 from Chelsea being the highlight but everyone bowled well.
Hayes are 3rd in the table with only one game to go.
The Development side also travelled to Bexley and elected to bat first.
A third centurion for Hayes as Liam Buttery despatched the bowlers around the ground – 120 ball sand 14 fours as Liam ended up with 111.
Sam Aylwin (29) and Fin Baker (20) with Alfie Peck 20* also chipped in.
Ronnie Buddin with 3-24 put Hayes on course for a fine win – 2 for Sam Carter and Fin Baker as Bexley succumbed to 136 all out.
A rare achievement – we had 3 Bakers playing for the side with father – and Club Secretary – Stuart Baker answering a late call.
Stuart wasn’t to be outdone and took his maiden club wicket in a 3 over spell – congratulations and thank-you for answering the call!
The Legends invited the Crusaders to bat first. The Crusaders openers were no match for the guile of David
Tappenden, who having already taken an early wicket, proceeded to take a hat-trick! David finished with 4-29 in a terrific display.
The other bowlers couldn’t match Dave’s prowess and the visitors closed on 243-9 in their 40 overs.
Alas the Legends batting didn’t measure up and they struggled against the Crusaders attack – David also top scoring with the bat as Hayes struggled to 118-7 in their 40 overs.
A great weekend for the club and with the season heading to the final stages, all to play for!
