Match Centre

Chance, Kent & Marais seal welcome 25 points

We produced an excellent response to the previous week’s defeat to Egerton Park, putting in a controlled and confident performance to beat Newtown Linford by eight wickets at the Cobalt Cricket Ground Mill Lane.

With Newtown having tied with champions Rothley Park seven days earlier, we knew we would need to be sharp, and captain Josh Winterton set the tone from the outset.

Four players — Alex Kent, Dewan Marais, Henry Rogers and Abhay Katoch — made their home league debuts, and all contributed to what became a strong collective display.

After being asked to bowl first, we settled quickly. The early breakthrough came when George Gowler removed Craig Chapman, adjudged leg before, and from there our bowlers steadily tightened the grip.

The standout spell came from Kieran Chance, who delivered a superb five‑wicket haul, finishing with 5–30 and repeatedly breaking partnerships just as Newtown looked to rebuild.

Harry Bates supported him brilliantly, conceding only 19 runs from his nine overs and taking two important wickets. Ryan Dawson added another, while debutant Rogers claimed his first home league wicket — a moment he’ll remember.

Despite determined efforts from Newtown skipper Sam Bates, who made 48, and Tom Wells, who added 37, we bowled Newtown out for 171 in 47.3 overs, a total that felt within reach on a good surface.

Our chase began with the early loss of Rogers, but Jake Gillett and Kent settled things with a composed partnership. Gillett played with patience and clarity, making 42 from 75 balls and absorbing pressure whenever Newtown tried to apply it. His dismissal at 77–2 brought Marais to the crease, and from that point the momentum shifted decisively.

Marais was positive from ball one, striking seven fours and a six in a fluent unbeaten 56 from 43 balls. Kent, on home debut, was outstanding at the other end — calm, organised and completely in control as he moved to an unbeaten 58 from 105 deliveries. Their unbroken stand of 95 guided us to 172–2 with more than 12 overs to spare, sealing a convincing 8 wicket victory - providing a strong response to the frustrations of the previous weekend.