Today’s memorable moment takes a look back at a tight B Grade contest against our local rivals, Mount Barker Cricket Club, which came down to the final ball of the match.
Played at the Mt Barker Showgrounds in late January 1995, the Kookaburras batted first. The Echidnas’ bowlers proved miserly on an oval which to this day often continues to be conducive to low scoring contests, and made regular inroads (Mt Barker’s highest partnership was 32) to restrict the Kookaburras to 9/116 from their allotted 40 overs.
The pick of the Kookaburras’ batters was opener David Chadwick who made 47, with no other batter passing 11 whilst for the Echidnas’, life member Derrick Smith led the way with 3/35 from 8 overs and was supported by extremely economical performances from fellow life member, Paul “Hoges” Heinrich (1/7 from 5), long-time Echidna John “Nobs” Brooks (1/14 from 8 ) and another of the Brooks’ clan, Robert Brooks (2/19 from 8 ).
In response, Wistow made a poor start, slumping to 3/5 after 6 overs with opening batters & life members Hoges & Robin “Pud” Crompton, and long-time Echidna, Craig “Buster” Paech all back in the pavilion. From there, Smithy and Andrew Chapman (father of recent A Grade skipper Matt Chapman), started to right the ship, putting on 37 before Smithy departed for 12.
Further solid partnerships between Andrew and middle order batters Michael Davis (14) and C. Wilson (10) saw the Echidnas within sight of victory before three (3) quick wickets, including the loss of Andrew for a well made 54, saw Wistow at 8/104 and requiring 14 from the final 2.4 overs with No. 8, Michael “Pickle” Paech and No. 9, Robert Brooks at the crease.
Ultimately, it came down to the final over, with six (6) runs required for victory and the ball in the hand of long-time Wistow nemesis, Phil Hissey. The first five (5) balls of the over produced 1.11. to see Pickle on strike with three (3) required for victory from the final delivery, which Pickle proceeded to swat for six (6) for a famous victory.
Picture – Pickle batting in A Grade a number of years later, with the infamous “Wistow Anglers Club” hat on display.
