Cricket East

Match Report by Robert Ashwell, Manager

"A break from the wet weather allowed these two teams to meet at Eaton Socon CC in what has been a closely fought contest over the past few years. Beds won the toss and put the visitors in to bat. Arsh Mulla and Hasan Dar opened the bowling for Beds and kept things tight, they were rewarded with three wickets in a five ball spell, and after six overs Suffolk were 19/3.

"Enter Suffolk’s Monty Morgan at No5; five sixes and two fours saw him reach 44 runs in 18 balls. Skipper Mustafa Haroon immediately introduced Ayaan Malik and his leg breaks (with a very Rashid Khan like action). A six off the first ball did not deter him, followed by a dot ; and then a great piece of work between bowler and wicket keeper Paul Cooper saw Monty stumped (78/4), and the whole force of the game changed. Toby Toombs (22*) provided the only resistance after that and the Suffolk innings ended on 122 all out after 25 overs. Two wickets each to Hasan Dar, Ollie Thaker, Aayan Malik and Mustafa Haroon. Bedfordshire’s fielding had been outstanding throughout the match, and bowling tight, no wides!

"The Beds innings was very controlled with all batsmen contributing. Opener Harry Wilson-Brown (30) had the steady innings, and after the fall of Mustafa (11), Ben Ulvert provided some fireworks with 40 off 46 balls, falling at 95/3 having shared a 65 partnership with Harry. Aayan Malik (8*) and JJ Stocks (20*) completed the Beds innings to finish the victors at 126/3.

"A huge thank you to Eaton Socon CC for hosting the match, great facilities and a wonderful tea."