Previously unbeaten atop the McIntosh Shield Grade ladder Heatherdale was humbled yesterday (Sat 7 Dec '19) when they, and almost everyone else, underestimated the resolve and capacity of Blackburn North who relentlessly powered down a more than respectable total (7/264cc) set by the interlopers on day-1 of their Len Toogood Oval round-8 encounter. A somewhat uneasy start saw the loss of our team's first four wickets for just 52 runs when Damien Yze joined captain Ben Davis at the crease for what would prove to be a memorable 'collaboration'.

After 10 overs in the middle Yze had scored just 3 runs whilst Davis was gradually building a modest total from the other end but all that was destined to change after the tea break. Davis and Yze stayed the course until Damien was dismissed LBW for 103 runs including ten 4s and three 6s with the score just 40 runs short of victory. The partnership with Ben Davis had been brought to an end at 173 but Ben would continue till stumps ultimately delivering a classic Captain's knock of 85no (including eleven 4s).

As stumps approached the 8th wicket fell with 21 runs still required first or victory and just 15 deliveries remaining. This was when Nathan Hooper joined Ben Davis (81) in the middle. The second last over included two towering 6s from Hooper leaving the Blackburn North score just one run behind with an over to go and two wickets in hand. Needless to say it was 'all over bar the shouting', which continued well into the evening. You can find all the match stats on MyCricket for this (just click here for the match report) and any other round.

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