GREAT KINGSHILL 1^ST X1 v LITTLE MARLOW 1^ST X1

Saturday 10^th May 2008

An appalling batting collapse consigned Little Marlow’s 1^st X1 to defeat at Great Kingshill.

Chasing a sizable target of 278 in 50 overs, the visitors made a good start, reaching 76 for the loss of one wicket. Tahir Rashid (35) and Mike Bath (26) shared 58 but then departed in consecutive overs to trigger a terminal decline. Several batsmen contributed to their own downfalls as the innings nose-dived to 98 for 7.

Imran Ali (27) and Sohail Khalid  (28) stopped the rot, but were unable to prevent a demoralizing 122 runs thrashing as Martin Smith, N. Hallatt and Wright snared 3 victims apiece.

Swain’s magnificent, undefeated 135 was the focal point of Kingshill’s 277 for 3 declared. He was well supported by A. Hallatt (77), with whom he added 167, and Wright (42).

LITTLE MARLOW 2^ND X1 v ENGLEFIELD 2^ND X1

Saturday 10^th May 2008

Little Marlow’s 2^nd X1 continued their promising start to the season with a maximum points home win over Englefield.

Batting first on a firm pitch, the hosts lost Les Ryan and Chris Creffield to Nick Gessey with just 15 runs on the board. However, Neil Coupland provided sensible support to Nigel Matthews, who batted beautifully during an alliance of 85.

Gessey returned to remove both, Matthews for a fine 76 and, with Ged Holmes falling to Klopper, the match was in the balance at 127 for 5. With stoic support from Steve Shore, Tim Potter then took command. Hitting out strongly, the left-hander completely dominated the scoring during a stand of 71.

Andy Findlay replaced Shore and helped Potter blast 37 runs from 24 deliveries before Holmes declared at 235 for 7 after 50 overs. Findlay (22) became a well-deserved fifth victim for Gessey when he was bowled by the innings’ last ball, but Potter remained undefeated on 67.

Englefield never looked like mounting a serious challenge and Little Marlow steadily worked their way to a 105 runs victory with 12.3 overs to spare. Wickets were shared around, whilst John Lewsy top-scored with 32 and Holmes held an outstanding catch at short mid-off.

LITTLE MARLOW v BOYNE HILL

Sunday 11^th May 2008

An accomplished century by Nigel Couzens was the highlight of Boyne Hill’s victory at Little Marlow on Sunday.

Having been inserted on a good pitch, Couzens posted 60 for the first wicket with O’Reilly, who fell for 37 to a sharp slip catch by Iain Angus. James Pauffley’s 51 then contributed handsomely to a century partnership for the second before Couzens retired upon reaching three figures.

The innings closed on 248 for 5 after its allotted 40 overs, Rahim Dad (2-24) being the most successful bowler.

O’Reilly took the day’s second fine catch at slip to remove the dangerous Charlie Rodger early in Little Marlow’s Reply. Wickets thereafter fell at regular intervals; several batsmen playing themselves in but failing to produce a match-winning performance as the asking rate steadily rose.

Arfan Sharif played some attractive strokes in his 65 but, despite Mansoor Hussain’s robust 43 not out, Little Marlow fell 16 short of their target, on 233 for 8.

LITTLE MARLOW ACADEMY v HIGH WYCOMBE UNDER 15s

Sunday 11^th May 2008

Little Marlow’s Academy team produced a spirited display against High Wycombe, but were unable to overcome their opponents’ greater age and experience.

Batting first at the Bradish Ellames Recreation Ground, the hosts struggled to make headway until captain Andrew St Maur went to the crease at 40 for 6. He immediately gave the bowlers something to think about, latching on to anything short as he struck four boundaries in 18 before succumbing to over ambition and hitting a catch straight to mid-on.

Defending 91 all out, Zain Gill gave his team hope with 2 scalps in four tidy overs. However, Tariq was unstoppable, his undefeated 65 backing up bowling figures of 4 for 4 and carrying Wycombe to a comfortable 8 wickets victory.