17th June 2017

Greenwood Park CC* 257-10 from 50.4 overs

Offley & Stopsley CC 81-10 from 27.1 overs

A terrific man-of-the-match performance from Aman Talha took Greenwood to an emphatic 176 run victory over Offley & Stopsley.

The left-hander scored a majestic 70 runs with the bat before collecting three wickets as his side annihilated their promotion rivals and moved up to third in Division Eight B.

Talha’s standout performance featured three ferocious sixes and seven fours, as Park posted a demoralising 257 in the searing heat.

His effort was supported superbly by Rakib Ali, who struck a destructive 58* on what was a very impressive Saturday debut for the batsman.

There were also crucial cameos from Mubarak Zeb and Jimmy Otter, who scored 27 and 20 respectively, pushing the home side to an imposing total at the interval.

Needing to take ten wickets to win, Greenwood were relentless with the ball as they secured 30 vital points, bowling out their opposition for 81 in 27.1 overs.

The ever-consistent Troy Petchey produced a magnificent opening spell, finishing with 3-19 off ten overs.

The right-arm bowler had the opposition line-up in all sorts of problems – his variations in particular causing damage on a dry pitch.

Talha complimented his new-ball partner excellently, with a rapid fire five over stint – taking 2-17 in that period as Offley fell to 24-4 inside ten overs.

Wickets continued to fall regularly, Arslan Khan and Zeb both collecting two apiece as Park reduced their visitors to 67-9.

It was then left to the man of the moment – Talha – to claim the final dismissal. 

The 18-year-old returned to the attack and with the first ball of his second spell obliterated the stumps – fittingly sealing the win for his team.

The victory was Greenwood’s fourth consecutive in the league and Park will be looking to keep this momentum going next week as they travel to table-topping Radlett IV’s in a crucial promotion clash.