Everards County League: Egerton Park inspired by Hussain heroics

A cold, overcast morning and a track with a few green tinges persuaded Park’s skipper Nick Watchorn to bowl first after the coin came down in his favour.

Despite a couple of dropped chances, Muxloe made a positive start as the conditions failed to provide the assistance hoped for.

With some sleet in the air, perhaps it was too cold for the ball to misbehave as 76 runs came off the first 20 overs for the loss of only two.

Kamal Panchal suffered a dislocation of his left ring finger as he attempted a return catch and had to be replaced by Tom Glover.

As the weather picked up and the sun came out, Glover bowled well and Hussain shone as Muxloe collapsed to 128-8.

Joe Barnard backed up some good bowling last week with another good spell, picking up two wickets.

But Muxloe’s tail rallied, adding 46 before the visitors were bowled out in the last over for 174.

In reply, Park lost Richard Bailey early, but a 99-run partnership between Stuart Rose (47) and Zaheer Hussain (65 not out) put the home side in control.

Tom Glover (35) looked to be discovering some good form with the bat before he was caught behind and Madden was spectacularly caught at wide mid-on for nine.

But Park wrapped the game up with no further damage and with almost seven overs to spare.

On Saturday, they travel to Langtons, 1pm start.

Kirby Muxloe: 174.

Bowling: K. Panchal 6.4-1-21-1; N. Watchorn 12-2-51-1; T. Glover 11.2-1-28-1; Z. Hussain 10-1-42-5; J. Barnard 4.1-0-20-2.

Egerton Park: R. Bailey 3, S. Rose 47, Z. Hussain 65*, T. Glover 35, C. Madden 9, J. Woolcock 4*, Extras 15. Total: 178-4.