Last Bank Holiday Monday saw the welcome return of pub cricket to Dartmouth’s Coronation Park as The Dolphin took on The Dartmouth Arms in a friendly T20 match.

The DA won the toss and elected to bat. Given that the wicket looked likely to deteriorate throughout the game, this seemed a wise decision.

Openers, Jack Waterman and Marcus Copeman, got off to a flying start, scoring at rate of a run a ball and looking untroubled against The Dolphin’s opening bowlers.

Neil Hemmings (3 for 9) made the breakthrough in the 7th over as he had Waterman (18) caught at mid-wicket and then castled Tom Kendrick two balls later for a duck.

Wickets followed at regular intervals as The DA’s middle order struggled in the face of some disciplined bowling, Lewis Sharam (2 for 5) and Colin Brown (3 for 11) backing up Hemmings’ fine display with the ball.

Jamie Felton (18), a late order counter attack by Dan Jackson and Marcus Copeman carrying his bat (27*) saw The Dartmouth Arms reach 98 all out on the 120th legal delivery.

After a lovely lunch break provided by The Anchorstone Cafe, The Dolphin began their pursuit of 99 runs for a victory that would have bought the Pub Cricket Trophy, lovingly made by Lottie Fern, back to Market Street.

It did not start well. Bowlers Tom Kendrick and Dan Bartlett (3 for 8) had a new ball sting in their tail as The Dolphin’s top order collapsed and were left reeling at 11-4.

Jon Pope (25*) and Matt White (28*) steadied the ship and put the pressure back on The DA with some powerful stroke play and the win was looking likely.

Pope and White retired after reaching 25 runs each and The Dolphin’s run rate slowed. With 2 overs remaining, and 13 runs to win, Daisy Botterill bowled a superb over which set up an exciting end to the game.

A Hemmings cover drive for four meant The Dolphin required just 2 runs for victory off the final ball, Jack Waterman’s delivery was on line and could only be played defensively to cover point. A diving Colin Brown made his ground and the match was tied.

Both teams would like to thank everyone who turned up to watch, Ed Rahman for umpiring, Lottie Fern for the trophy, Will at The Anchorstone for lunch and SHDC for a wonderfully kept park to play cricket on.

Bring on the re-match.