Potts regain the trophy in epic battle
Despite a change of venue, the age-old tradition of Potts vs LVCC continued last weekend at Penryn College, in a tightly contested encounter that nevertheless saw the visiting Potts team securing a 10-wicket victory to win back the trophy.
A full 105 years after the first Potts weekend was played, the visitors won the toss and elected to field on a swelteringly hot Saturday morning.
In the face of deadly accurate bowling, LVCC openers Dylan Cresswell and Duane Venter laboured to 31 runs, before Venter was caught and bowled for 11 off 53 balls.
Cresswell fell shortly after for 16 off 67.
Dwayne Obermeyer was dismissed after scoring a swashbuckling 37 off 38 balls, sharing a 49-run partnership with LVCC captain, John Granville.
Granville stood strong as LVCC lost several more quick wickets to fall to 141/6, but Gavin Kirby joined the skipper in a 63-run partnership, scoring a quick-fire 31 off 29.
Granville was eventually out for 74 off 115, and the tail was wrapped up quickly as LVCC finished on 218 all out.
Potts bowler Andrew Beach took an impressive 4/32 in 11 overs.
The heat and dehydration took its toll on the Potts opening batsman Reinhardt Arp, who retired after scoring 15 off 28.
Potts found themselves in deep trouble at 59/4, but James Hitchcock and Trevor McCall-Peat managed to share a 62-run partnership that took Potts to 121/4.
Hitchcock took the attack to the LVCC bowlers after McCall-Peat departed, smashing 88 runs off 75 balls and guiding Potts to a one-run lead at the end of the day with one wicket remaining.
Caid Ball chipped in with an entertaining 35 not out off 28 balls.
LVCC’s Roelof Jansen was the star performer with the ball, picking up 6 for 80 in 20 overs, with good support from Gavin Kirby (2/34).
Potts declared overnight, looking to take the 5 wickets needed to end LVCC’s second innings.
Despite stoic resistance from Dylan Cresswell (18 of 110) and Granville (20 off 51) LVCC only managed to reach 68/5 in 34 overs.
Potts knocked off the runs quickly on Sunday afternoon, reaching the target in 14 overs without losing a wicket. Arp bounced back from his heat exhaustion to score 25 not out off 32, while his opening partner Kevin Johnstone notched up 38 not out from 52.
The weekend ended with an awards presentation at the LVCC clubhouse, with Potts being handed the historic trophy.
James Hitchcock was given the man of the match award for his crucial innings.
