Egerton Park CC heap pressure on leaders with fourth straight County League win

Egerton Park continued their brilliant County League form with a fourth successive win after an excellent all-round performance at Houghton and Thurnby.
Tom Glover after scoring 130 for Egerton Park. EMN-180506-093732002Tom Glover after scoring 130 for Egerton Park. EMN-180506-093732002
Tom Glover after scoring 130 for Egerton Park. EMN-180506-093732002

The 19-run win moved Park up to third in Division Two, within 14 points of leaders Hinckley Amateur, and 13 points of Leicester Ivanhoe Second XI in the second promotion spot.

The visitors were asked to bat on what looked a good pitch and they punished them with a big total.

Panchal and Bailey got their team off to a flyer, hitting the rope on several occasions early on and giving the visitors the start they wanted.

When their wickets fell, Glover came to the crease and found it hard to get going at first.

But with support from Madden (45) and Mold (30 not out) Glover grafted through to one of his best innings for Park with an unbeaten 120 to take his side to 273-4 from their 45 overs.

Houghton needed a quick start to keep up with the run rate and Akhtar put them on their way with an explosive innings.

But the opener could not find a partner to stay with him, and when he lost his wicket for 63, Park looked to be cruising home.

A young pairing put on 91 to give Houghton a chance, but Madden (4 for 66), bolstered by some excellent fielding, restricted the hosts to 254-7.

Park have three fixtures to play, starting at bottom side Newbold Verdon on Saturday.

Matchball sponsors: Pera Business Park

Park: Panchal 20, Bailey 22, Glover 120*, Rose 12, Madden 45, Mold 30*, Extras 24. Total: 273-4.

Houghton and Thurnby: 254-7.

Bowling: Watchorn 12-1-60-2; Glover 9-1-41-0; Panchal 3-0-18-1; Seecharan 10-0-63-0; Madden 11-0-66-4.