Twos almost secure victory at Cockfosters

Preston 2nd XI v Cockfosters 2nd XI, SHCL Division 5 Sat 18th May
——————————————————————

Preston 2nd XI almost completed their second league win of the season at Cockfosters, but had to settle for a draw as the home side blocked out the final overs with 8 wickets down.

Put into bat, Preston made a great start with an opening stand of 98 between Pete Murrell and Adam Shelley (45). Murrell continued his excellent early season form, and after he fell for 82 skipper Matt Burleigh (29*) led the middle order to a total of 230 for 7.

Preston’s bowlers found it difficult to take wickets initially, and Cockfosters 2nds reached 120 for 1 by the 31st over. Pete Murrell’s offspin (3 for 37) then made inroads into their batting, and Finlay Connah put in another fiery spell to take 4 for 34, backed up by some fine slip catching from Casey Walker and Matt Burleigh. Cockfosters were forced to defend the last few overs and finished on 165 for 8.