Authentics vs Crusaders T20 Varsity Match Report

One of the great days in the English cricketing calendar rolled around on Monday, as the Authentics travelled to Cambridge for the first of this year's Varsity clashes. After watching the Elusive (3s), captain Mikyle lost the toss and headed out to bat. After the early loss of opener Vivek Nair, Tom Douglas and Mikyle Ossman batted well before the loss of a couple of quick wickets threatened to restrict the Tics. Fortunately, out walked Ollie Monblat who batted destructively alongside Douglas (37) to advance the Tics score. The Authentics then got themselves caught in some difficulties running between the wickets, bringing Nathan Schofield to the crease. With the help of the lowe order, Nathan (39*) pushed the Tics on to a very respectable 145-6 support by Rohan Narayan-Hull (11*) at the death.

William Marriage and Tom Douglas started the Authentics bowling innings well, only going for 6 runs total in the first two overs, although Cambridge wrestled back the initiative in the rest of the powerplay. This was when Mikyle Ossman turned to the match-winner Tom Hilditch, who took two wickets in quick succession - finishing with the incredible figures of 4 overs, 2-9. In a topsy-turvy innings, the Crusaders then batted well, with the number 3 batter reaching his fifty to leave Cambridge needing 14 runs off the last two overs. William Marriage bowled the final over and picked up two key wickets before Gaurav Kocher stepped up to defend 7 off the last over. Gaurav dismissed the Crusader's set batter and bowled a tight over - leaving 3 runs to win off the final delivery.

The Cambridge batter attempted a scoop over the keeper's head - but missed! Narayan-Hull behind the stumps calmly gathered the ball to seal an Authentics victory by one run - a victory that will go down in Tics history!