Duchess of Rutland XI narrowly beaten by MCC in annual clash at Belvoir
There was a suitably close finish in the 16th annual feature match between the Duchess of Rutland XI and the MCC at Belvoir Cricket Club with the visitors edging home by just seven runs.
The game is hosted by the Belvoir Education & Sports Trust which seeks to inspire children to lead healthy, active lives through sport and countryside education.
On a beautiful summer's day, the Duchess XI captain Tom Lyndsay won the toss and elected to bowl on a good-looking pitch well prepared by Belvoir CC, Knipton.
It looked like a day for a big score with a parched outfield promising full value for your shots.
The Duchess XI, through opening bowlers Joe Bottomley and Jedidiah, soon reduced the MCC to 23-3 in the sixth over, but a spectacular partnership of 172 between former Leicestershire CCC player Rob Taylor and Norfolk CCC player Sam Arthurton took the MCC to a very good score of 283-6 in their 40 overs.
Taylor went on to score a magnificent 117 off 100 balls faced, a fabulous innings on a very hot day, with Arthurton finishing on 70.
Following a superb tea of sandwiches and cakes, the Duchess XI openers Ben Jones and Matt Mills looked to chase the score down.
A superb opening partnership of 101 was ended by Begy with Mills going on to contribute a magnificent 87 off 86 balls.
A steady flow of wickets slowed the run rate which left the Duchess XI needing 83 off the last 10 overs.
A miserly spell of eight overs for just 28 runs and two wickets from the veteran Roger Bolstridge was the difference.
It ensured that, despite some late spirited batting the Duchess XI ended up short, with the MCC winning by the slender margin of seven runs.
All in all, it was a brilliant day’s cricket with some wonderful performances, played in a great spirit.
The Vic Heppenstall Spirit of Cricket Award went to Rob Taylor for his magnificent century, and the Imogen Skirving Trophy was presented to MCC captain Ryan Lewis.
The MCC now lead the series 9-7.
For more information about the Belvoir Education & Sports Trust, please visit www.support-best.org