THE TENSION was palpable as the final over began in the Arnold versus Kingower in the Upper Loddon cricket clash on Saturday.
Not because the score was close – the Redbacks were 56 runs behind Kingower’s massive 2-234 from its 35 overs.
The tension was down to two men and one over, with Arnold opener Heath Lock on 96 not out and facing opposing captain Jayden Leach, the competition’s top wicket taker for the season.
Redback captain Henry McCullough, who was umpiring at the bowler’s end, discreetly gestured to the pavilion to see how many runs Lock needed for his century. Hands were raised showing four fingers. 
A dot ball to begin the over only increased the pressure, leaving Lock with a maximum of five balls to face.
Leach’s second ball was on the money and fizzed at a clearly tiring batsman.
It took the edge, and for a moment it seemed Lock’s dream might be over.
But it flew past the keeper and rolled to third man and over the boundary, handing the Redback opener a brilliant ton in a losing cause.
Barely able to raise his bat in salute, a weary Lock celebrated his milestone with little fanfare.
His knock began spectacularly, with six boundaries from his first eight scoring shots, and he belted four sixes in all, one landing on the pavilion roof.
Earlier, Kingower opener Matt Rowe also carried his bat, finishing with 81 not out from 96 balls faced.
His opening partner Will Deason made 72 of their 128-run stand as rock-solid Rowe batted calmly and with classical elegance throughout his innings.
His cover driving was a particular pleasure to watch, his right knee kissing the pitch as he followed through, the ball careening across the outfield, almost always on the ground.
It was a rare spectacle to see two players carry their bats in a 35-over contest – and perhaps one not appreciated by the toiling bowlers.