Thames Valley Cricket League

Division Two A

Old Merchant Taylors' suffered a 57-run defeat at Kidmore End.

Skipper Paul Marshall lost the toss and OMTs were asked to field. Kidmore End's opening duo proceeded to dispatch the OMT bowlers with ease until Paul Walden snaffled the free-scoring Jeff Sheldon.

The introduction of Armaan Mahmood (five for 51) helped keep Kidmore End to 229 for nine off 52 overs.

Even the red-hot form of Rehan Hassan (59), who is now starting to plunder runs at this level, wasn't enough to see OMTs home. A middle order collapse meant the visitors were dismissed for 172, some 57 runs short of their target.

Thames Valley Cricket League

Division Six A

Old Merchant Taylors' fell to a four-wicket defeat against Windsor Thirds.

Winning the toss, stand-captain Simon Boardley opted for OMTs to bat first. But it wasn't long before the home side were all at sea, crashing to 43 for five. Cue the arrival of Ed Hikmet at the crease who smoked a rapid-fire 45 off about 30 balls, with 42 of those coming from boundaries.

If it wasn't for that cavalier late rally, supported by the late arrival of John Walter (28), then OMTs would have fallen well short of the 147 they finally ended up posting.

In response OMTs opened with spin and a quick wicket provided early hope. But as the day wore on batting seemed to get a bit easier and Windsor warmed to the task. Neil Richards (three for 42) held down one end bowling 21 overs on the bounce with other bowlers being changed regularly at the other end.

Drij Vyas, on his seasonal debut for the team, proved to be the pick of them taking two for 34. In the end though 147 proved not enough and Windsor continued their excellent start to the season by clinching a four-wicket victory.