In reply Guy Partridge and Miles Ockwell looked steady until the latter was bowled for three. Partridge hit a lovely cover drive before departing for nine and wickets began to fall steadily after that. At 35 for 5 Boxgrove were looking down the barrel but a superb partnership of 42 for the sixth wicket between Steve Tremmell and Kevin McGeough came to the rescue and in fact it was the best sixth wicket stand of the season. Steve Tremmell was excellent in scoring 23 and not only did he pick up runs but he also occupied the crease for an important period. Another two wickets then fell quickly leaving Boxgrove 8 down with 3 overs remaining. However, Aiden Mant was completely unfazed despite being surrounded by attacking fielders and he saw out an important over to bring McGeough back on strike. The penultimate over was a maiden but with the tail exposed Lancing saw their chance. Aiden Mant however coolly took a single and that left McGeough, the hero of the hour, to see the game out and claim an excellent draw for Boxgrove. McGeough ended with a brave 21 not out but his coaxing of his partners as the overs ran down was a real life demonstration of why he is known as Prof.

So that’s that for 2009 and the season ended as it started, with a draw. In between there have of course been highs and lows but the Downland Cup victory was the peak.