Everards County League: Egerton Park frustrated as rain ruins run chase

After an overcast morning, Park won the toss and put the home side into bat on what looked an excellent wicket and quick outfield.

Park bowled well first up without any luck as the sun came out, with Panchal and Watchorn beating the bat on several occasions.

Narborough’s century opening stand between Ross Blockley (129) and Ian Cox (50) put them in command, and the run rate picked up after the hosts had seen off the openers from the attack.

Hussain (3 for 44) eventually broke the partnership, and thanks to further good bowling from Lovegrove and some excellent catching, the visitors started to pick up wickets regularly.

With Narborough looking to post a huge score, Panchal (3 for 47) returned to remove a few tail-enders as the home side finished their 45 overs on 269-9.

In reply, Bailey fell without scoring, caught and bowled to Nick Cooper second ball, and when Glover and Hussain departed shortly after, Park were in trouble at 46-3.

An excellent knock of 86 by Rose, supported by Madden (17) and Burdett (39), got the away side into contention despite a sharp shower which forced the play to be suspended and the overs reduced to 39.

The required rate leapt as a result from seven to 10 runs an over, but this still looked possible while Rose and Burdett were at the crease.

But soon after Rose fell 14 short of a fine century and the heavens opened again, ending the game after 34.2 overs of the reply with the total on 206-6.

Park picked up 15 points and sit sixth in Division Two. On Saturday they entertain Billesdon (1pm start) who are just one place and three points worse off.

Narborough: 269-9.

Bowling: K. Panchal 9-0-47-3; N. Watchorn 7-4-23-0; T. Glover 5-0-58-0; Z. Hussain 12-1-44-3; C. Madden 4-0-46-0; J. Barnard 5-0-46-0; H. Lovegrove 3-0-24-2.

Park: Z. Hussain 15, R. Bailey 0, T. Glover 10, S. Rose 86, C. Madden 17, D. Burdett 39, K. Panchal 14*, R. Haffenden 2*, Extras 24. Total: 207-6.