2nd Metropolitan Cup - Las Condes vs. La Dehesa

The two top teams in this years Santiago league met on Sunday and produced the closest finish ever seen at the Craighouse ground in La Dehesa.

Las Condes, who elected to bat, reached 216-4 off their 40 Overs. Paul Hollis was once again on song scoring 50 and Mathew Hickman showed great form in his 61 not out. Additional support came in the shape of opener Clive Marriott (27) and stalwart Ian Walker (32 not out). Las Condes looked comfortable but never grabbed the bowling by the scruff of the neck as maybe they should have against a La Dehesa attack that lacked any real pace. Indeed, for several spells in the innings, the wily spin bowling of Tony Adams (2-41) and Bruce Phillips (1-38), coupled with the medium pace of Cameron McGovern and Clint Larsson kept the Las Condes fire power well pinned down.

With La Dehesa at the crease, Phillips and McGovern continued their contribution as they punished some sloppy bowling scoring 40 off just the first 5 overs. Hollis eventually claimed both openers wickets as Phillips (25) fell to a popper and McGovern (39) was bowled trying to hit the ball into the sewage tanks. Guy Hooper looked as confident as ever but on 22 runs, skied a warm up full toss off Valenzuela and was well caught by Marriott. The floodgates then started to open and the fat lady started to flex her vocal chords as wickets started to fall with some regularity as La Dehesa were forced onto the back foot by accurate spells by Willem Mouton (2-23) and Walker (1-33). However, she sneaked back towards the dressing room when Clint Larsson's savage attack on the Las Condes third string bowlers started to pay off as his team consistently began to average more than 8 runs an over. This battering continued for the last 10 overs leaving La Dehesa just needing 5 off the last over for victory with one wicket remaining. Tim Messner then showed his class by bowling a quick, accurate over that saw the end to Larsson for a splendid 80 off the last ball of the match, but not before 4 runs had been scored resulting in a tie.

With honours even, both teams now meet each other again in the Santiago League Championship final at the end of the month at the Craighouse playing fields.

Result : Las Condes 17 points La Dehesa 14 points

Sunday 27th April 1st/2nd Final - Las Condes vs La Dehesa 3rd/4th Playoff - Santiago vs PWCC