Everards County League: Egerton Park foiled by last wicket stand

Park won the toss and elected to bat, but were soon in trouble as Zaheer Hussain, Richard bailey and Stuart Rose all fell early, leaving the hosts wobbling on 31-3.

But Tom Glover produced an excellent knock and with Charlie Madden (30) settled the innings with a 79-run fourth wicket partnership.

Glover’s knock of 86, along with a good cameo from Kamal Panchal (17 not out) took Park over the 200 required for maximum batting points, posting 203-8 from their 45 overs.

In contrast, Billesdon made a good start in reply despite the early loss of opener Snaith as Harrison (32) and Elliott (56) put on 91 for the second wicket.

But Hussain (4 for 34) and Glover (3 for 31) finally started to make inroads started to make in-roads as the visitors subsided from 94-1 to 108-6.

Hedley Lovegrove weighed in with some excellent left-arm in-swing as Billesdon teetered on 132-9 and Park closed in on victory.

But the home side were unlucky not to take the final wicket as the Billesdon last wicket pair survived the final four overs.

The 21-point haul kept Park in sixth ahead of Saturday’s trip to third-placed Loughborough Carillon.

Park: Z. Hussain 9, R. Bailey 16, T. Glover 86, S. Rose 4, C. Madden 30, B. Simons 6, D. Burdett 13, J. Bates 2, K. Panchal 17*, N. Watchorn 2*, Extras 18. Total: 203-8

Billesdon: 143-9.

Bowling: K. Panchal 8-2-25-1; N. Watchorn 8-0-34-0; Z. Hussain 12-2-34-4; T. Glover 12-4-31-3; H. Lovegrove 5-1-9-1.

* Egerton Park Second XI travelled to bottom side Lutterworth Thirds on Saturday, only to bump into three good quality batsmen dropped from the hosts’ second team.

A combination of great track, fast outfield and hot afternoon saw the visitors chase leather for 45 overs, by which time young Hack had made a sublime 134 not out.

He was supported by Midwood (59) and Cliff (27) as Lutterworth racked up 254-5.

Rivers was the pick of the Park bowlers with three wickets, while Harris picking up one, but at tea the victory target looked a long way off.

Tyler and Woolcock set off at more than a run-a-ball and when Woolcock fell for 20, Harris again pushed on with a brisk 26.

Lees (29), Rivers (10) and Jeary (19) all helped to force the pace, but when Tyler departed for 72, Park had a few nervous overs before holding out for a draw on 229-9.

On Saturday, the Seconds host Whetstone in Division Seven East (1pm start).