Belmont & Edgware Cricket Club

The Stuart Neils Semi-Final was always going to be a tough contest no matter who was playing as both sides were hungry to reach the final in 3 weeks time. Belmont & Edgware 1st XI took on MAL 1st XI in what proved to be a nail-biting game for all and the lowest scoring game of the season.

B&E won the toss and put MAL into bat. With the weather looking to add swing to the equation, this was a vital coin toss to win. Wickets fell consistently with only Russel Corin adding substance to the batting team putting on a match high-score of 23. Bowling was kept tight and the pitch not easy to play. Star bowler for the day was Jonny Wynbourne who took 5/13 in 6 overs, coming into good bowling form for the season finals. Eventually MAL were bowled out for just 67 runs in 28 overs. Excellent fielding was also responsible for keeping runs to a minimum.

A low total looked simple to chase as B&E have averaged over 200 runs per game throughout the season, but this weekend it was not the case. Martin Smulovitch opened the bowling with his usual fiery pace and ended with figures 4/23 in his 8 overs. Charlie Sherrard back from an extended break kept things tight on the other end and took 3/19 in his spell of 8 proving line and length on a very difficult wicket is key. Wickets fell constantly as each batsman struggled to get going but the total was finally achieved with 2 wickets in hand in 25 overs.

Well done to both sides on a good battle and for making what looked to be a one-sided match very interesting. Belmont & Edgware go into the final against Vale 1sts expecting this match to be just as tight and exhilarating.