A brilliant innings from North Runcton captain Ben Coote secured an extraordinary one-wicket victory over Garboldisham in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division on Saturday.
Chasing 258 for victory, leaders North Runcton looked down and out at 223-9 in the 47th over, still needing 35 runs.
With just one wicket in hand and time running out, Coote held his nerve in an unforgettable finish, hitting two massive sixes off the final two balls to snatch victory.
“It was important to keep the momentum of the team going, particularly after losing the previous game,” Coote said afterwards.
“We have been playing well as a team all year, with lots of different players contributing.
“There’s still a long way to go in the season, but this would certainly be the sort of win to look back on if things did go our way.”
Coote added: “When the ninth wicket fell, we still needed 35 off 23 balls.
“In some ways, it helped that the overs were running out as I knew I had to play aggressively.
“Mike Annakin did his job well, and thankfully, I managed to get us over the line off the last ball.”
The chase had begun steadily but was derailed in the middle overs, despite a crucial 96-run partnership between brothers Jasper and Charlie Payne.
Jasper made a determined 71, but after his dismissal at 206-6, a collapse followed, leaving Coote with only Annakin for company.
A helpful five wides off the 47th over took Runcton closer, but more runs were needed and in the 48th Joshua Rowe conceded 13 runs, Coote taking 12 runs with a single bye.
The penultimate over was tight with only six runs added leaving Runcton requiring 10 off the final over.
With Annakin facing Rowe, the first ball of the last over went for a leg bye, thus allowing Coote to face the bowling.
Unfortunately for Runcton, three dot balls from Rowe followed.
This left North Runcton needing eight for victory with just two balls left.
The North Runcton captain fulfilled his role, lifting two mighty sixes into the northern field to secure the most dramatic of victories.
Earlier, Garboldisham posted 257-9 thanks to fluent innings from Craig Estlea (96) and captain Tom Collishaw (53), after being reduced to 25-3 by sharp bowling from Christoffels (3-42), Modimokoane (2-34), and Coote (3-40).
Rowe added late fireworks with 62 off 48 balls, but even that total proved just short.
North Runcton’s bowlers had toiled in the heat, making the successful chase all the more impressive.
The win, sealed in the most dramatic circumstances, will be remembered not just for Coote’s match-winning knock of 43 not out, but for the sheer resilience shown by the hosts as they edged home in a game that had everything.
