Everards County League: Promoted Egerton Park make positive start

Park were asked to bat first after losing the toss, and Richard Bailey looked in good touch as he cruised to 37 before a freak stumping claimed his wicket.

Shortly after fellow opener Stuart Rose left a straight one and was out for 16.

Bailey ended up top scoring as Park batsman got starts, but then got out.

An unbroken 10th wicket stand of 35 between skipper Nick Watchorn and Joe Barnard would later prove crucial as the visitors posted a competitive 181-9 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Countesthorpe struggled to get early momentum, and Panchal and Watchorn bowled with good discipline to reduce the hosts to 37-4 off the first 16 overs.

Two wickets apiece for Tom Glover and Zaheer Hussain further reduced the home side to 104-8, but despite rotating their bowlers, Egerton Park couldn’t force the victory as the innings ended on 143-8.

Egerton Park: R. Bailey 37, S. Rose 16, Z. Hussain 22, T. Glover 19, C. Madden 23, J. Bates 5, T. Mold 3, K. Panchal 3, N. Watchorn 13*, J. Barnard 15*, Extras 14. Total: 181-9.

Countesthorpe: 143-8.

Bowling: K. Panchal 9-3-22-0; N. Watchorn 10-2-37-3; Z. Hussain 11-1-39-2; T. Glover 10-2-26-2; J. Barnard 3-0-5-0; C. Madden 2-0-9-0.