Everards County League: Syston Town move within two points of Premier top spot

Despite a dodgy weather forecast, the First XI game against Market Harborough went ahead as scheduled and although some light rain dampened the proceedings, no time was lost.

Syston were put into bat and at 87-5 the innings could have quickly folded. However, Charles Wootton, batting superbly, added 74 with Charlie Taylor (24) and 95 with Ben Drake (31).

Wootton remained unbeaten on 129 in a huge final total of 286-7.

Harborough’s reply started badly and at 28-3 they, too, could have folded, but Kevin Innes (108 not out), who always seems to get runs against Syston, held their innings together with the second century of the match.

Harborough were never really in the hunt to win, but finished comfortably on 214-6 to give the hosts 20 points.

* Syston’s Second XI travelled to Newbold Verdon, but the weather prevented them from pulling off a win against one of Division Three’s promotion favourites.

The visitors had Newbold in all sorts of trouble at 106-9, but their last pair hung around to good effect to raise the total to 174-9.

Jaimal Bathia carried on his excellent season with 3 for 43, including a hat-trick, and there were two wickets each for Mayur Chauhan, Scott Cooper and Chris Pole.

After tea, Syston were cruising at 98-1 with Henry Whait on 52 not out when rain arrived and the game was abandoned.