Division-leading IDI Services Cresent visited Dalnacraig this afternoon to take on DHSFPCC 1st XI (who were sitting 3rd) in a crucial match in the Breedon SPCU Division 1.

DHSFPCC won the toss and chose to bat. Cresent bowled well, restricting runs from the openers and taking the wicket of Kevin Ancell with only 15 on the board. A mix-up saw Noah Chapman run out (16) before Matthew Lowdon was joined at the crease by Fes Saeed. Together they put on a partnership of 52 before Fes (32) was caught in the deep. With 101 on the board, Angus Beaumont came to the crease, and together with Matthew Lowdon put on a partnership of 123. With overs running out, Angus (56) was bowled while looking to hit big. Brock Preston (10) came in and ensured Matthew was able to reach his century, finishing on 101 not out after a brilliant innings.

The 1st XI finished on 252 for 4 after 45 overs.

Cresent came out fighting and started well before two quick wickets fell with only 42 on the board. Good batting from R Sujaya (49), and an amazing innings by Nathan Thangaraj (123) took the game down to the wire. With 15 overs to go, it was anyone's game but with wickets falling at the other end regularly, there was no one to help Nathan get Cresent over the line.

In the end, it was a very solid batting performance from DHSFPCC backed up by the bowlers who managed to restrict Cresent's strong batting lineup to 237 for 9 after their 45 overs. Wickets from Brock Preston (2), Graham Hopkins (2), Angus Lindsay (1), and Angus Beaumont (1) with 3 runouts.

#CODH