CRICKET: Breet hails players after 'whirlwind' victory (From Wiltshire Times)

CRICKET: Breet hails players after 'whirlwind' victory

6:00pm Friday 20th July 2012 in Sport News By Dan Barnes

JOE Breet has heaped praise on every member of his Wiltshire side and believes that they all deserve credit for helping the county reach the final of the Minor Counties Cricket Association Knockout Trophy last weekend.

The county side clinched a nail-biting two-run victory over Staffordshire with the penultimate ball to win their semi-final and book their place against Cumberland next month.

The Wiltshire captain is toasting a memorable weekend for his team and admits that he’s still collecting his breath after a heartstopping encounter in Leek.

“It was an absolute whirlwind of emotions – after the game, I sat down in the dressing room and was completely drained,” said Breet.

“At times we looked like we’d already won the game and then we looked out of it.

“To get through to the final is fantastic, especially because we were up against a side with a load of former first-class players – Ben Gardener said to me that he was nervous before the match but I told him that he deserved to be there.

“It’s fantastic because we’re not a side that relies on one player because everybody plays their part.

“The hard work all started last year and the players have shown a lot of commitment in their own time too.

“If you’d had told me last year that Tom Bowler would be as fit as he is now I wouldn’t have believed you because he’s worked hard and looks like a cover model.

“I’m so pleased.”

Ed Kilbee starred with the bat as he hit 126 off 146 deliveries while fellow opener Jayden Levitt weighed in with 76.

Staffordshire’s Craig Barker took three wickets but couldn’t prevent Breet’s men posting 280-6.

Wiltshire then had their opponents at 72-5, with Tahir Afridi claiming four wickets, but the hosts’ Ben McGuire sparked a comeback with 100 while Paul Goodwin hit 66.

Owen Alsop also claimed three wickets but with Staffordshire at 278-9 with two balls remaining, Mukesh Bhatt took the wicket of Barker and sealed a thrilling victory.