1st XI secure comfortable victory

The Village 1s arrived on Saturday ready to fight for top spot in the league and having opted to bat first, things started well with skipper Danny Potter and temporary opening partner Saahil Mehra putting on 54 at the top of the innings – before Mehra was dismissed following one of the greatest catches ever seen, by man or beast. No arguments, yes it’s a big statement – best catch ever.
Jay Nandha came in at 3, playing with less fluidity than in recent weeks but still adding 35 before his typically poor stamina deedeeminished and he holed out to point.
A middle order collapse was only halted by a fantastic 70+ run partnership between Naz Asif (48) and James Thompson (21) for the 7th wicket brought a degree of respectability back to the score and gave the bowlers a score of 202 to defend.
Village took to the field for the second innings with top spot still firmly in their sights and put in a performance befitting of champions.
Opening pair Saahil Mehra and Shash Seem started with a blinding spell of seam bowling, taking 4 and 3 wickets respectively. Maj Asif, having failed earlier with the bat, chipped in dutifully with quite remarkable figures of 2.1 overs, 1 maiden, 3 wickets for 3 runs.
Village showed great energy levels throughout the innings and would hope they can maintain this for the rest of the season. By the time the last wicket was taken – removing the only opposition batsman to reach double figures – a new mentality appeared to have settled. Consistency has been a regular issue for the side but if they can maintain this level of hunger and energy, they should be right in the mix at the business end of the season.

By Devraj Ray