A STUBBORN Old Xaverians side held Prescot and Odyssey CC to a draw at Burrows Lane on Saturday.

Old Xavs never even attempted to chase a P&O score of 194 when they had over 50 overs and near three hours available. They could only muster 102 for 6.

P&O had elected to bat first and tried to put quick runs on the board. They lost Andy Greenwood early on for five with the total on 18. But then witnessed one of the great partnerships in the club's history. Andy Murphy and Simon Ramsden shared an unbeaten stand of 176 for the second wicket in less than two hours before declaring at 194 for 1.

The innings was completely dominated by Andy Murphy who, opening the batting, scored 118 not out. He took full advantage of some mediocre bowling but maintained concentration throughout, the quality and power of his strokeplay growing as the innings progressed. He cracked boundaries to all corners of the ground, including one almighty six to the furthest part of Burrows Lane.

Simon Ramsden was content to play second fiddle to Murphy during the early stages but still made 72 not out.

Old Xavs survived a half-hour period at the wicket before tea, but succumbed soon after their return to the crease as Tony Bonner took two wickets in one over to have them reeling at 18 for 2.

Some excellent bowling from Groome, Hayhurst, Joliffe and the spin twins of McComb and Ramsden, supported by sterling work in the field, brought further wickets. Greenwood took a fine low catch close to the bat to dismiss the opener. Bonner held a high chance to see off Neil Roby who succumbed to the temptation of Ramsden's flighted leg-spin.

At 60 for 6 it looked as if the victory was inevitable. However, though Old Xavs hadn't appeared at all interested in going for the win, the door was now well and truly slammed shut as they sought to grind their way to a draw.

Although they tried everything to vary the bowling, P&O will be disappointed not to have made a further breakthrough and just lacked the cutting edge to seal the win. Old Xavs final pair held firm, pushed back the maidens, and took the score to 102 before the game came to an anti-climactic close.

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