Grocott Nearly Saved East

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30593, 9 November 1964, Page 16

Grocott Nearly Saved East

Having a lead of 49 and eight wickets standing, St. Albans was ideally placed to force the pace against East-Shirley. Although Harris did not score many more, Guilen again produced a colourful array of strokes and there seemed little doubt he could have gone on much further. But a declarations was made, after he had been in 170 minutes, and had hit seven sixes and 19 fours. East-Shirley, with Grocott leading all the way, offered stout resistance. Grocott, hitting the loose ball effectively, had two or three lives, but his maiden senior century could not have come at a better time. It not only nearly saved the match: it may show his side that East-Shirley batsmen can score runs. There was a dismal period

before tea when three wickets were lost for two runs, two of the batsmen being run out. But Grocott continued to dominate, and he had in B. A. Haworth a fine partner. They scored 79 for the sixth wicket and when Grocott went, only 72 minutes batting time remained. East was 58 ahead and four wickets were still in hand.

The tail failed, however, and St. Albans was left 50 minutes to score 72. It seemed a simple task, but a determined effort by R. T. Ryder set the timetable awry. Haris, however, mounted a vigorous counter-attack, and when he hit 16 from an over by D. I. Cameron which also cost two byes, St. Albans had the situation under control. The last run was made with nine minutes to spare. Umpires: Messrs T. F. Mathie and R. W. Hobbs.