Kent League T20 Finals Day
Having won last year’s KCL T20 Final, Hayes had the honour of hosting the first finals day since Covid.
Having beaten Minster to earn a place at Home, we faced Blackheath, who we dramatically beat in the league last week.
Blackheath opted to bat first and made the power-play count, scoring 65 runs in the first 6 overs.
With the ball softening, Alfie Peck (2-25) and Andrew Eddicott (1-21) slowed the run-rate as Hayes began to get on top, however a total of 158-7 was still a good score and was sure to test the home bating.
James Bamber (7) and Gareth Severin put on 44 for the first wicket and with James’s dismissal, Will MacVicar entered the fray.
In a brutal display pf batting both Gareth and Will set about the Blackheath attack – Will finishing on 53* but man-of-the match award went to Gareth for an unbeaten 89, score at a run-rate of 145.90 and with 4 maxi’s and 6 4’s.
Hayes cruised home in the 18th over for a comfortable 9 wicket win.
The second semi-final saw Tunbridge Wells beat Sevenoaks Vine so a Hayes v Tunbridge Wells Final!
Tunbridge Wells called correct and invites Hayes to bat.
Gareth and James opened again, with James (10) falling with the score on 15, Gareth (21) top-edged on 62 and then a flurry of wickets had Hayes in trouble.
However, Will MacVicar held the innings together with a fine 48 from 45 balls – Liam Buttery then came to the fore with some splendid shots and the only 6 of the innings. Alfie Peck helped Liam put on a crucial 21 runs with the Hayes innings coming to a close on 132-9.
The score looked below par – but with a wicket that was 100 overs old and a ball that deteriorates rapidly, there was hope!
Hayes bowled tightly at the start, but the Tunbridge Wells bats looked in good form and with the score at 101-2 after 15 overs, there looked little hope of repeat of last year’s win,
The large crowd was subdued as Andy Eddicott bowled the 16th over but an excellent catch from the safe hands of Scott Gallagher on the boundary – could it be?!
The crowd were sent into raptures next ball when a mix-up by a riled Tunbridge side led to a run-out – 101-4 and a glimmer of hope.
7 more runs were scored before another panicked attempt at a run led to an excellent piece of work by keeper Liam Buttery and another run-out!
The crowd were in full throttle!
2 balls later a stunning throw from Andy Eddicott led to yet another run-out and at 110-6 the game was very much in the balance.
2 overs left and 23 needed – Will MacVicar bowled his last over and the 2nd ball led to a big LBW appeal – which had the crowd in ecstasy as the Umpire raised his finger!
The visitors were clearly stunned and with only 7 runs coming from the over, it was left to Alfie Peck to bowl the final over – the Pecky song was being sung as Alfie delivered in style – his ball claiming a wicket with an edge to Liam.
The next delivery was edged to the boundary and so Tunbridge Wells needed a 6 off the last ball for a tie and a win on losing fewer wickets!
Alfie bowled and beat the bat!
A stunning win from the depths of defeat – the boys never gave up and with everyone contributing it was a stunning team performance.
Will MacVicar took man-of-the-match honours for his superb batting and bowling – Gareth having claimed the award in the first game.
A Great day in the history of Hayes.
Kent League T20 Champions!
