County League: Egerton Park held by Billesdon in thrilling finish

Stuart Rose gave Egerton Park a good start to their reply against Billesdon EMN-170205-112454002

Opening bowlers Nick Watchorn and Tom Glover got Park off to a very good start, both producing very tight spells and denying Billesdon the start they wanted after winning the toss and batting.

Spinner Mitchell Ellis (2 for 29) once again bowled well, picking up two wickets to reduce the visitors to 48-2 at drinks.

Billesdon got a foothold in the game through Elliott (65 not out) as they sent the ball to the boundary regularly in the second half of their innings and found themselves finishing on a very respectable 187-6.

Park got off to the perfect start in reply with Rose (42) and Panchal (20) compiling an opening stand of 84 with both batsman frequently hitting the ball to the rope.

A flurry of wickets fell as Billesdon had a purple patch with Park struggling to score off the bat and suddenly finding themselves chasing the game.

The home side still had a chance with Glover (41) at the crease, but when his wicket fell, the home side had to close the game out to avoid defeat.

They finished eight runs short of the Billesdon total with just one wicket in hand as they picked up some valuable points.

Park visit Division Two leaders Loughborough Carillon on Saturday (1pm start) hoping to continue their good start to the season.

Billesdon: 187-6.

Bowling: N. Watchorn 11-4-22-0; T. Glover 10-3-31-2; M. Ellis 12-5-29-2; H. Wells 3-0-15-0; K. Panchal 6-0-52-2; C. Madden 3-0-34-0.

Park: S. Rose 42, K. Panchal 20, T. Glover 41, M. Ellis 3, H. Newton 0, C. Madden 5, H. Wells 3, N. Watchorn 15, C. Beeken 3, R. Haffenden 4*, A. Barber 3, Extras 39. Total: 179-9.