27th May 2017

Greenwood Park cruised to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Northampton Exiles II’s to pick up 30 valuable points.

A dominant collective bowling display from the home side’s attack was the catalyst for victory as they blew away the Exiles for just 116 in 41.2 overs.

The win maintains Park’s unbeaten home record this season and moves them up to fifth in division Eight B.

Greenwood started strongly having lost the toss, reducing the opposition to 35-3 in 15.1 overs.

Vishal Pujari finished with a miserly 2-20 off his 10 overs whilst Troy Petchey opened up with a controlled 1-16 off his seven.

Arslan Khan then produced a tantalising spell (1-32 from 10), bowling superb variations with excellent discipline.

Khan took the crucial wicket of Rohit Carsane who top scored with 35 after a stunning, athletic one-handed catch from Ed Gray at mid-on.

Ajmal Hussain collected one dismissal with the ball and then got a superb run-out as Park extended their domination.

It was left to Shaafat Hussain and Mubarak Zeb to finish the innings, both picking up two wickets.

Chasing a modest 117 to win, openers Gray and Pujari put Greenwood in a commanding position, putting on 75 for the first wicket.

Pujari was bowled for 32 and Captain Chris Kent then came and went for 5 – leaving Park 86-2.

Shaafat Hussain bludgeoned 23 off 15 balls before being caught with only eight runs needed to win.

It was left for Gray 38* and Sam Nash 4* to guide Greenwood home and make it two home wins from two.