SHAUN Robinson struck a brilliant century as Knebworth Park lost their annual flagship fixture against a Hugh Bateson XI for the Frank Manning Memorial Trophy last Friday.
In glorious sunshine the all-day fixture pits a strong visiting side which comprises of players from local clubs and other guests to provide a challenging contest and offers an opportunity to entertain former players and friends of the club.
The stand-out player for the visitors was Devisetty Vinay Kumar (pictured below).
He has played alongside many legendary players in India when he played for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy - India’s premier first-class competition.
He scored a beautifully controlled innings of 65 as they finished on 236-9 declared.
Then Robinson, who has been batting in the low order for the Park’s first team, showed his batting prowess with a fluent innings, with an excellent exhibition of driving.
As long as he was at the crease the Park looked favourites to win.
However, when he fell, immediately after getting his century, Knebworth then folded to the visitors’ slow bowling attack as they were dismissed for 170.
The day proved an excellent tribute to the man in whose memory the day is about.
Frank Manning, who died over 30 years ago, did much to paint the culture of the club as it is today - the encouragement of youth, club endeavour and sociability.