Army win tight thriller against Navy and lift Centenary Trophy in winning Inter Services start
The British Army's men's cricketers have won a thrilling close contest against the Royal Navy to get their Inter Service 50-over championships off to a winning start and lift the Army v Navy Centenary Trophy.
The Navy won the toss and opted to bat on a hot, sun-drenched day at Vine Lane in Uxbridge.
Despite seeming like batting-friendly conditions, tight Army bowling soon had their opponents at 52-3 when skipper Ben Johnston was dismissed.
Accurate spin bowling in the middle overs from Benson, Boynton and Hawkesworth kept a lid on the scoring rate and, at 80-6, it looked like the Navy could struggle to make 100.
However, a half-century from Finlay Marks and cameos from Tim Atkin and Ben White helped their side to 180/8 in their 50 overs.
In response, the Army found it tough going and were also six down around the 80-mark, but a solid partnership between Oliver Cross with 45, and Aidan Hawkesworth with a half-century, got them close to their target, and Hawkesworth fittingly scored the winning runs.
His two wickets and 58 not out also earned him Player of the Match.
The Navy take on home side the RAF on Tuesday, before an RAF-Army showdown on Wednesday.
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