Spring-like weather and a lush outfield greeted Tipton’s last game of the season when they entertained Harberton.

Spring-like weather and a lush outfield greeted Tipton’s last game of the season when they entertained Harberton.

Tipton batted first, but soon lost Kevin McMeeking caught for just two runs. This brought in Steve Walker to join Phil Tolley and the pair put on 145 runs in 23 overs before Tolley was out leg before for 83 leaving him with an average for the season of 97.9.

A weary Walker was bowled shortly after for 59 and was followed by Dave Jessop for five.

There followed a whirlwind partnership between Dave Alford (24) and Joe Birch (43) in just six overs enabling Tipton to close on 237-7.

The Harberton batsmen started positively, but were soon in trouble when Dave Alford bowled T McClement for four quickly followed by two wickets for David Birch - both trapped leg before wicket.

He finished with 2-15 off his eight overs, taking him to 46 wickets for the season.

Harberton recovered thanks to a 72-run partnership, eventually ended when Joe Birch bowled Heath for 53 and Raven for 17.

David O’Higgins could not manage the one wicket he needed for 50 for the season which left Phil Wright to try and get the five wickets he needed to reach the milestone. He soon had success, with a brace of wickets in his second over, and, when keeper Dave Dawson caught Porter for six, Wright sensed the elusive 50 target might be reached for the first time in his 30-year Tipton career!

Next over he bowled Griffiths, but Jem Gillham took the last wicket thanks to a catch by McMeeking leaving Harberton all out for 137 and a Tipton victory by 100 runs.

So O’Higgins and Wright were able to share the honour of leading wicket taker for the season with 49 each and ended an enjoyable season in which Tipton won 17 and lost 25 matches.