Cope inspires stunning win at Tonbridge

OCCC 302 for 7 (Cope 133*, Burgess 77) beat Old Tonbridgians 301 for 7 (Harman 4-45, Chitty 2-67) by three wickets
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Alan Cope on his way to a match-winning hundred

The OCCC beat Old Tonbridgians by three wickets in the first round of the Cricketer Cup at Tonbridge on Sunday.  Modern sport is littered with hyperbole, but the three-wicket win must rank as one of the best in the club’s 125-year history and Alan Cope’s unbeaten 133 as one of the best innings. 

We knew that starting the defence of the cup at the 15-time winners – and the side who beat us in the 2014 final – would be a tough ask, and it was one made all the harder when both Scrivens managed to break fingers within days of each other and Will Rollings decided on a very untypical Old Cranleighan act of putting exams before sport. Add into the equation that three of our bowlers had not actually bowled so far this season, we travelled in hope but not expectation.

Mike Burgess on his way to a 55-ball 77 

Tonbridge won the toss and batted first under grey, chilly skies on a flat track and got off to a flying start, aided by a burst of extras from the wayward Matt Crump.  A destructive bowler on his day – his 6 for 7 in the 2013 semi-final remains fresh in the memory – he is going through the quick-bowler’s yips and his confidence with the ball is low.  After a good start his lost line and did not return for a second spell.

Paddy Harman struck early but Tonbridge punished anything loose, ran well between the wickets and made the most of some, at times, indifferent fielding.  The rusty Waters came in for some punishment, as did Bruno Broughton, although he did take five catches, including a stunning return one.  Hardest to get away was the gentle medium of Rob Jones, who took pace off the ball and made the batsmen do all the work.

Tonbridge lost wickets in the last ten overs but also made hay, adding 100 runs.  Luke Chitty picked up three wickets but was smashed back over his head when his length dropped, and Harman cashed in in the dying overs with three wickets in seven deliveries.

We had only chased down a 300+ once (301 to beat Lancing Rovers in 1992) and Seren Waters’ departure to the second ball of the innings added to the sense this would not be our day.  But Mike Burgess took on the bowlers – Tonbridge had as usual opened with two spinners – hitting over the top and driving and Tom Crump (24) kept pace with him for the first nine overs.  When he fell, Cope ensured that Tonbridge had to cope with all-out attack from both end.

Paddy Harman strikes an early blow

An inside-out six from Burgess over extra cover was the shot of the day, while Cope took on the bowling as soon as he arrived.  The pair added 101 in 11 overs and by the time Burgess fell to an excellent leg-side catch, run-rate was no longer the main issue – we had 29 overs to get 138.

Matt Crump came and went, but first Rob Jones (10) and then Bruno Broughton (22) kept the scoreboard ticking over as Cope passed his hundred.  Nevertheless, when Will Howard, who kept well in what he claimed was his “last major match”, fell cheaply, we were seven down with 50 needed.

Cope was then joined by Euan Johnston (24*), making his cup debut.  Johnston batted with maturity, and Cope all but ended the tie with a six and four over extra cover which seemed to knock the stuffing out of Tonbridge.  The winning runs came with 23 balls to spare.

We now travel to Eton Ramblers, easy winners over Old Eastbournians, on June 28.

Bruno Broughton just fails to cling on to a return catch