SARACENS HERTFORDSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR
Northwood Town 168
Sawbridgeworth seconds 138
Northwood Town won by 30 runs
NORTHWOOD Town pulled off a dramatic win against Sawbridgeworth seconds after a devastating spell of aggressive fast bowling from Nishil Mapara.
Mapara tore through the heart of Sawbridgeworth’s renowned batting line up with his first six-wicket haul for the club to clinch a 30-run victory.
Winning the toss and batting first, Jim Cotton anchored the innings with a vital knock of 38 after Town had suffered the early loss of both openers.
Cotton applied himself for two hours at the crease, facing 113 deliveries and showing great control as he worked the ball into gaps.
Cotton’s partnership of 69 with the outstanding Sangeet Patel (42 from 67 balls) put Town in a strong position with 85-2 on the board at drinks.
However, wickets fell at regular intervals and it required contributions of 24 from Michael Lister and 20 from Mapara to enable Town to reach 168.
In reply, Town opened with the spinners and Mikhil Patel immediately made an impact, removing two dangerous batsmen.
However, with runs flowing it was the introduction of the new ball and quick bowler Mapara that changed the game and brought Town their first league win of the season.
With a scintillating spell of pace, swing and accuracy, Mapara cleaned up the Sawbridgeworth middle order in devastating fashion to secure 30 hard-earned points.
Meanwhile, Stuart Reeve took four wickets to help Northwood claim 10 points and a draw against Preston in Division Two.
