The Old Bedfordians were indebted to the superb batting of Shiv Patel (04-15) as his unbeaten 140 guided them to victory over the Radley Rangers and through to the Quarter Finals of the Cricketer Cup.
Having won the toss, Radley got off to a flying start with the bat and looked set for 300 before the Old Bedfordian spin attack reined them in. Ex-England player, Jamie Dalrymple scored 71 to ensure they reached a big score though as they closed 271/6.
In response, the OBs were 37/2 before a partnership of 83 between Jake Duxbury (11-16) and Shiv got them back into the game. A couple of quick wickets left it 137/4 and the match was finely poised. Jack Goldberg (09-11) joined Shiv to add 87 together, during which Shiv went to his hundred from just 88 balls.
Jack fell for 36 but Shiv saw his side home – finishing with a fantastic 140 not out from 116 balls with 17 fours.
The Old Bedfordians face a trip to Wellington in the Quarter Finals on 15 July. We do hope OBs and friends will be there to show their support.
Will Aitkenhead (04-09)