Going into the T20 decider at Oxford Downs, Horspath were on a high having been crowned Cherwell League champions. However, the club were seen as slight underdogs with opponents Great & Little Tew playing at a higher level in Home Counties Premier League Division 2 West.
It was to prove a memorable day, though, for Horspath and one player in particular as Mark Skelton produced the match-winning innings. Ed Mezetti's reports from the Oxford Mail reproduced here recount how 'Skelly' hammered an unbeaten 67 from just 33 balls to fire Horspath to an eight-wicket victory with 2.3 overs to spare.
It came after he had been promoted up the order to No 3, having scored 85 on the same ground the previous day for the 2nd XI. Skelly was given licence to thrill and, with a little fortune on his side as he fended off some short-pitched deliveries from future clubmate Liam Manley, he made the most of his chance.
Playing the leading role in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 84 with Shahbaz Ali (28no), he took Horspath past Tew's 134-8, fittingly hitting the winning boundary through the covers.
Skelly says: "I think I had played the day before at Downs for the second team and got runs. It was a sort of decision to pump me up the order because of that a little bit, and I seemed to have enjoyed the pitch there. It was a decent wicket and I've always done alright over there.
"I had not been expecting to bat at three. I was not told until the day of the game. It was great to have the opportunity. I was happy to take the opportunity and with it being a game that means you win a cup it was great. There were quite a few people there to watch and it was nice to do it in a final."
Reflecting further on his innings, Skelly adds: "It was Manners when he had a bit of pace about him and (Matt) Woods at the other end. There were a few short balls. I got a bit lucky with pulling them. They seemed to hit the bat in the right place and went over the boundary.
"From what I can remember Jakey (Paul Jeacock) and Mase (Lee Mason) were walking around the boundary and I was getting peppered by Manners and they signalled to me to watch the ball and play a few hooks without pulling out.
"It just seemed to come together. I was given licence with anything there or thereabouts to have a go at. I rode my luck a little bit and it came off, but there were some good shots in there. I had a bit of a partnership with Robbie (Eason) and then it was me and Shahbaz. It was a sweet victory.
"To make a significant contribution in a final is always great. It is probably my most memorable innings for Horspath. I think the winning four was off (Andy) Harris and it made it even sweeter. I can't believe it was seven years ago."
Watch this space in the coming days and weeks as we delve further into the Horspath archives. If you've got a game you would like featuring or a feat of brilliant batting or bowling drop me a text or call me, Russell Smith, on 07866 953987. It doesn't have to be a 1st team game, it could be from the 2nd, 3rd or 4th XIs or a youth team fixture.
Posted by: Russ