ANOTHER remarkable bowling performance from Matt Howarth (8-64) helped Emmbrook & Bearwood to a 22-run victory over Bourne End.
Emmbrook chose to bat having won the toss but the top order struggled as only Alex Cobb (18) was able to provide any resistance to the new ball.
However, Imran Khan (35) and Prathamesh (47) helped to steady the ship in the middle order with a strong partnership before some late order hitting from Andrew Robertson (25 not out) helped Emmbrook to a competitive 193-9.
In response, Bourne End came out of the traps flying with Nasir Kiyani (22) and Khawar Naseem (35) hitting a flurry of early boundaries.
They soon fell to Richard Cole and Matt Howarth respectively, before Howarth tore through the Bourne End middle order following on from his stunning display for the 2nd XI last week (7-11).
Some late hitting from number 11 Nafees Ahmed (33*) gave Bourne End slim hopes of victory, but in the end it was not enough as Howarth claimed his eighth wicket of the day to give Emmbrook took the points.
“Matt’s performances over the last two weeks have been outstanding,” said Emmbrook and Bearwood captain Alex Cobb.
“He bowled with great pace and hostility, and was clearly the difference between the two sides.
“Their opening batsman came out aggressively and looked to put him under pressure, but the way he held his nerve on a good batting pitch was tremendous.
“Following a disappointing relegation last year, the aim for this year is definitely promotion. As we’ve shown over the last two weeks, our pace bowling is as good as anyone in the league, and the addition of Imran Khan has helped to strengthen our batting.
“If we are to make a real push for the top two, then we need to make sure our top-order, myself included, really do need to stand up and be counted.”
Emmbrook & Bearwood batting: Cobb 18, Jain 4, Narraway 7, Williams 1, Khan 35, Prathamesh 47, Mohite 9, Robertson 25, Howarth 14, Cole 0, Balakrishnan 5no.
Emmbrook & Bearwood bowling: Howarth 8-64, Cole 1-42, Jain 0-24, Cobb 0-7, Balakrishnan 0-25, Williams 1-1.
Pruthvee Narang (batting)
Chilterns Cricket League Division 2
Phoenix Old Boys 1st XI (111 all out) beat Emmbrook and Bearwood 2nd XI (66 all out)
Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s were beaten by 45 runs against Phoenix Old Boys in a low scoring match which saw some remarkable bowling performances.
Phoenix elected to bat first but a stunning bowling display from Paul Hunsdon (7-52) helped Emmbrook to bowl their opponents all out for 111 after just 24 overs.
With a modest total to defend, it took a monumental bowling effort from Phoenix to capture victory and they did so as they bowled Emmbrook and Bearwood all out for just 66 runs, with Wilcox posting tremendous bowling figures of 6-13.
Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s will be looking to redeem themselves after defeat at the weekend when they travel away to face Hurley CC.
