Parks Final Drama as Murrayfield DAFS Fall to Last‑Over Heartbreak

Our Parks Trophy final side fell agonisingly short of a first Parks Trophy win since 2017, losing out on the final ball of a seesaw encounter at Newfield.

Batting first, Murrayfield set a challenging total of 157-7 featuring steady contributions from opening batsman Lewis Mulholland (34 off 28 balls), Kiran Bhaskar (29 off 30 balls), and an electric cameo from Brad Peters (30 off 16 balls, including two enormous sixes).

In response, Marchmont made a lightning quick start taking 12 from the first two balls of the second innings and setting the tone for what was to follow.

Despite picking up wickets at regular intervals and a superb spell of bowling from Imdad Khan (2-22 off 4 overs), Murrayfield were unable to consistently limit Marchmont’s scoring, leaving the Cavalry Park side firmly in control at the end of the 17th over.

However, a remarkable 18th over from golden arm Smit Shah gave Murrayfield hope, taking 2 wickets and conceding only 6 runs.

With nerves showing on both sides – and among the sizeable crowd of supporters from both clubs – the unenviable task of defending 7 from the final over with wickets in hand was left to Tom Ritch.

Tom delivered a superb over of genuine pace and bounce, picking up the wicket of the Marchmont skipper, but it was unfortunately not quite enough with Marchmont squeaking home off the final ball of the match.

Congratulations to Marchmont on their victory, and to both sides for a remarkable game of cricket played in the true spirit of the game!

For full scorecard see ESCA Live https://escalive.com/match/137112-7344456/scorecard/?period=3235170