Ripley proud despite Steelbacks’ final-ball heartbreak against Middlesex
02.06.26, 21:57 Updated 02.06.26, 22:01
Jeremy Blackmore
Head coach David Ripley says the Steelbacks can be proud of taking their thrilling clash with last year’s Vitality Blast champions Middlesex to the final delivery at Wantage Road on Sunday, despite falling short by seven wickets.
Borrowing a football analogy, Ripley admitted it was a ‘game of two halves’ with the Steelbacks seemingly in control at the midway point in both innings. The hosts posted 58 without loss in the powerplay and reached 89 for one after 10 overs but only added 60 more runs in the final 10, closing on 149 for six.
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Jeremy Blackmore is the founder and editor of The Steeler. Jeremy is a freelance cricket writer and Wantage Road regular. He has written extensively for a host of publications including The Cricketer, The Cricket Paper, Wisden Cricket Monthly and ESPNcricinfo. He also covers Northamptonshire for the ECB Reporters Network.