Nussbaumer joins club

JAMIE NUSSBAUMER became the 20th Elizabethan in the 100-years-plus history of inter-collegiate cricket to score a century against the old enemy, Victoria. It was his second hundred in a month and in steering his side home to a five-wicket win on home soil, he became the first Sarnian century-maker in the annual match since Stuart Mackay and Dave Marshall in 1989.

'I had a bit of luck out there today but you need luck as a batsman,' said the College opener who was caught first ball off a no-ball.

He was also spilled in the deep on 69 and shortly afterwards as he fine cut into and out of the keeper's gloves, but his positive attitude and strokeplay won the game for Elizabeth, who have come off second best in recent encounters against the brown caps.

Afterwards, the match-winner said the ton capped a big week for him.

'I've been nervous throughout the week, having had A-levels as well. But I was more nervous about this game.'

College coach Ami Banerjee was delighted for him and has high hopes for the keeper-batsman.

'Each day he is getting better and better.'

It was a cracking day for both the Nussbaumer boys on show.

Leg-spinner Luke was arguably the pick of the Elizabeth attack as Victoria were restricted to 175 for five from 52 overs at the crease.

Luke took two for 39 from 12 tight overs, Jamie catching one of his victims and stumping the other.

Paceman Peter Le Hegarat also bowled well with three for 45 from 17 overs.

Elizabeth were left 48 overs to chase their target and at tea were sitting nicely with another hundred to get and nine wickets in hand.

Chris Whitworth fell cheaply but Jamie Nussbaumer and 'Joffy' Wilkes-Green added 112 for the second wicket before the former's exuberance got the better of him and his partner was run out by a direct hit as he answered a call for a cheeky single.

Wilkes-Green had played sensibly for his 35 and his replacement, Ben Ferbrache, kept up the momentum of the innings with a quick 17.

With Nussbaumer's century in the bag and victory in sight, the home team lost three quick wickets, but the win arrived in the penultimate over when Jonny Warr's elevated cut over gully ended the Victoria fightback.

It was a good day for College cricket with Elizabeth winning the other two Victoria clashes.