PIERS Morgan has lent unlikely support to a Somerset cricket team after controversy erupted at the end of their match.
Former England cricketer Rob Key also weighed in to the debate on Sky Sports after the unsavoury ending to the match between Minehead 2nd XI and Bristol-based club Purnell on Saturday.
Minehead youngster Jay Darrell, seeking a first ever league century, was on 95 not out with his team needing five more runs to win.
The Purnell bowler then decided to throw the ball over the boundary rope for a no-ball six, therefore ensuring Minehead's victory but leaving Darrell agonisingly short of his landmark ton.
Minehead player Angus Marsh took to Twitter to describe it as "the worst cricket moment of my life", leading to the likes of Morgan and Sky Sports having their say.
Today I witnessed the worst cricket moment of my life... @MineheadCricket 2s needed 5 runs to win, Jay Darrell was on 95*, never scored a league ton! Purnells bowler THREW the ball for a no-ball 6... embarrassing! @BumbleCricket thoughts?
— Gus. (@MarshAngus) August 4, 2018
'PATHETIC': Piers Morgan has his say on Twitter
Update - Thank you @skysportscric @robkey612 @BumbleCricket for sticking up for this pic.twitter.com/zpau7vvwpj
— Gus. (@MarshAngus) August 4, 2018
The issue also gained the attention of Rob Key, commentating on Nottinghamshire's T20 match against Worcestershire for Sky Sports, who said: "How average is that? That is appalling."
The player himself took to social media to say the following:
Hell of game today shame the way it ended but oh well!!! Thanks for all the support today!! #UTP #Mineheadcc #litter
— Jay Darrell (@JayDarrell1) August 4, 2018
Purnell have apologised and stated "the matter will be dealt with internally".
Our 1st XI were well beaten today by @MineheadCricket. The unsavoury scenes to end the game can’t be condoned & both the Captain & the player made full & sincere apologies to those involved after the game. The incident will be dealt with internally by the Club.
— Purnell Cricket Club (@purnellcc) August 4, 2018
Not nice to see. But more to the point, a great innings and a great win. Respect to the @purnellcc captain who apologised to the batsman on behalf of his bowler. But some things just can't be undone :( https://t.co/Sqip8nEQRz
— MineheadCricketClub (@MineheadCricket) August 4, 2018
Minehead won the Division 2 match by four wickets despite the drama - see Thursday's County Gazette for the full story.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel