Theakston Player of the Round: Ben Scarborough (White Waltham)

Scarborough scored 94 not out off 61 balls at No.5 to see White Waltham home off the final delivery of the match

When it comes to selecting a side for franchise competitions, securing a reliable middle-order finish is always a priority. Think Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, David Wiese, MS Dhoni…

And in Ben Scarborough, White Waltham have their own master at the death.

Playing against Peppard Stoke Row in round one of the Voneus Village Cup, Scarborough, batting at No.5, scored 94 not out off 61 balls – including nine fours and five sixes – to see his side home off the final delivery of the match.

Peppard Stoke Row batted first and recovered from 78 for 5 to set Scarborough’s side 228 to win – a total he believes would have been a lot higher without the death bowling of Jordan Thomas and Tanmay Joshi.

In reply, Dan Molloy (74 not out) and Nikhil Jathavedan (34) got their side off to a strong start before the runs dried up in the middle overs.

^{Jack Harrison (South Holderness) picked up the Theakston player of the round award in the preliminary round [supplied]}

"When I came in to bat, we needed about 140 off the last 15 overs, so the plan was pretty clear," explains Scarborough, who picks up Theakston Player of the Round honours for his unbeaten knock.

"We wanted to take the game as deep as possible and try to keep the run rate around 10 an over. For so early in the season, the wicket was fantastic, so we fancied our chances if we could hang around.

"I was batting with Dan [Molloy] whose style is a little bit more subtle than mine, so we agreed that I would try to be the aggressor. Fortunately, a couple of big overs kept us within reach, and we managed to reduce the requirement to seven runs off the last over – just about getting over the line on the last ball.

"It was nice to free the arms and see a few clear the fence. I’m just hoping that wasn’t an April peak and that we can go on to have a successful season!"

Simon Theakston, of Theakston Brewery, added: "'Cometh the hour cometh the man' as they say! Under pressure from the Peppard Stoke Row attack, it took White Waltham captain, Ben Scarborough, coming in with 93 for 3, to wrest victory from the jaws of defeat in a magnificent 94 off 61 balls.

"A captain’s innings if there ever was one and assuredly the outstanding performance of the round. A very worthy winner of the Theakston Player of the Round, a case of Theakston beer is on its way to Ben with our heartiest congratulations!"

White Waltham host Moreton, who received a bye in the first round, on May 8.

Ben Scarborough will receive a case of Theakston beer for being named the Player of the Round during the Voneus Village Cup. For more information about Theakston visit https://www.theakstons.co.uk/. Visit https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/ for the facts.