Theakston Player of the Round: Marcus Packer (Woolpit)

Packer took 5 for 13 as Stock were bowled out for 207 before scoring the match-winning runs at No.8

In a round which featured 14 centuries, 17 five-wicket hauls (including 7 for 21 from Hordon on the Hill’s Paul Bennett), and 14-year-old Alfie Agar producing one of the innings of the tournament to blast Cookham Dean to victory, selecting the Theakston Player of the Round was especially tricky.

However, for his all-round performance during a one-wicket thriller in Essex & Suffolk, Marcus Packer takes the gong for round two of the Voneus Village Cup.

Woolpit’s opening bowler began his side’s innings in majestic form, taking four wickets and conceding just six runs from his opening five overs to reduce Stock to 17 for 4.

He bowled two further overs before returning to the attack in the 40th, and he needed just one delivery to remove the dangerous Ashraf, bringing the innings to a close and finishing with figures of 5 for 13. And with Ashraf having already scored 11 fours and four sixes on his way to 80 (51 balls), it was a timely intervention from the young bowler.

Batting at No.8, Packer then navigated the final seven overs – with 41 runs required – to see his side home with two balls to spare despite losing three partners along the way. He finished unbeaten on 24 from 22 balls, including three fours and one six.

^{Ben Scarborough (White Waltham) won the Theakston Player of the Round award in round one [supplied]}

Commenting on the match, Packer said: "The ball was doing just enough to cause the Stock openers a few problems and myself and Jon Block managed to keep things pretty tight. I was fortunate to be able to pick up four wickets in my opening spell. Stock are a good side and came back strongly before I managed to sneak in a fifth wicket in the last over.

"We were confident we would have a good chance of chasing down the runs but at 41 for 3, we were starting to think it might not be our day. Marcus West and Adam Coombes then put us back in a good position, only for a late flurry of wickets to put us on the back foot. Thankfully, we held our nerve and squeezed home with a few balls to spare.

"It was a great game of cricket, played in the right spirit, and one which will live long in the memory."

Woolpit skipper Kane Munday praised Packer’s maturity: "Marcus bowled superbly, especially considering it was a small boundary. Four wickets up top and we had them 17 for 4 and he fittingly finished [Stock] off, getting a wicket with the first ball of the final over to claim his five-for.

"He then batted with the tail and showed a calm and composed innings to see us home with two balls to spare, nine wickets down.

"A fantastic bowling performance. He bowled very tight and was relentless with his line and length, and never gave up no matter how many times the batter played and missed. His batting showed a lot of courage and maturity for his age, and he composed himself for a thrilling end to the game."

Simon Theakston, of Theakston Brewery, added: "An outstanding spell of bowling by Woolpit’s 19-year-old opening bowler Marcus Packer ripped the heart out of the top order batters of opponents Stock, putting the Suffolk visitors on course for a spectacular win.

"A great fight back by Stock’s bowling attack put the game back in balance but a defiant unbeaten 24 not out from Marcus steadied the ship and brought home a nail-biting victory for his team.

"An excellent batting performance together with an outstanding five-wicket haul made Marcus Packer the shoo-in for the Theakston Player of the Round award. We send our warmest congratulations and a case of Theakston Best Bitter to Marcus."

Woolpit will face Horndon on the Hill in round three on May 22.

Marcus Packer 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.