County League: Egerton Park victory charge held up by Barwell tail

Losing the toss, Park were asked to bat first and both openers fell cheaply as the visitors were reduced to 39-2 in the 11th over.

However, a superb third-wicket partnership of 145 between Zaheer Hussain (83) and Tom Glover (73) set things up for the big-hitting Stuart Rose and Charlie Madden to have some fun in the last five overs.

Hussain fell 17 runs short of his century, a knock which included seven fours and four maximums into the adjacent football ground.

Glover’s excellent 82-ball 73 included 11 fours and two sixes, but it was a belligerent 26-ball 55 from the pugnacious Rose, hitting four fours and five sixes which took the game away from Barwell.

He was well supported by a 12-ball unbeaten 20 from all-rounder Madden as Park struck 70 runs off the last five overs to post an unlikely 268 for the home side to chase from their 45 overs.

In reply, Panchal bowled well early on and made good inroads into the Barwell top order.

Hussain continued his great form with another four-for, but with Watchorn and Glover both wicketless, Park couldn’t force the victory despite a first league wicket for the talented off-spin of former wicket-keeper Madden.

The winning draw and 21 points take Park back up to fourth.

They hit the road again on Saturday when they visit Lutterworth (1pm start).

Egerton Park: R. Bailey 5, J. Bates 6, Z. Hussain 83, T. Glover 73, S. Rose 55, C. Madden 20*, K. Panchal 2*, Extras 24. Total: 268-5.

Barwell: 201-8.

Bowling: K. Panchal 11-2-35-3; N. Watchorn 7-1-44-0; T. Glover 9-2-38-0; Z. Hussain 12-0-44-4; C. Madden 6-1-26-1.