County League: Egerton Park bundled out by Oakham

Edward Bates batting for Egerton Park against Oakham EMN-160507-125915002

Park started the day fourth in Division Two, 24 points behind their second-placed visitors, but were on the back foot after losing a crucial toss.

With teams across the region looking to field first after the recent deluges, the hosts were put into bat first, a decision which immediately reaped its rewards.

With former players and members looking on after their annual club lunch, Zaheer Hussain was again in the runs with 49.

Oakham bowler Rory Brown sends one down to Egerton Park batsman Edward Bates EMN-160507-125955002

But there was little support elsewhere as Park were bundled out for 115 in 41 overs.

The visitors eased to a six-wicket victory and a 25-point haul inside 28 overs, Flower top scoring with 54.

Park picked up just three points from the match, dropping them to sixth and leaving them with work to do to reassert their promotion credentials. They host leaders Langtons on Saturday (1pm start).

* Park’s Second XI fared worse when they were skittled for just 26 away to promotion-chasing Asian Sports.

Richard Bailey at the crease against Oakham EMN-160507-125943002

Having won the toss, the visitors decided to bat first in the Division Seven East match, but they were shot out in 21 overs.

The hosts knocked off the runs required in five overs for the loss of just one wicket.

Park lie eighth ahead of their trip to third-placed Bombay on Saturday (1pm).