Mitra keeps the runs flowing (From Thurrock Gazette)

Mitra keeps the runs flowing

3:30am Thursday 9th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Hornchurch Ath 1st 163ao Grays & Chadwell 1st 164-8 The visitors elected to bat on a fine Blackshots track.

Bandara came to the wicket as early as the 5th delivery after Andrew Hills caught the edge in his first over. At once the left handed overseas player pounded into Grays, smashing four boundaries in a couple of overs to ease Hornchurch through their early loss.

Grays turned to spin and as the frantic run rate eased, and finally Grays got the breakthrough they needed. Bandara slashed at a Mitra long hop but only succeeded in picking out Matt Hills at cover who snatched at it, but held on. Bandara departed for 66.

At 134-4 with 18 overs still remaining Hornchurch may have been eyeing a big total but Tom Hills began a dramatic passage of play with a shooter that rattled Hawkins off peg and ended his defiance after 29 grafted runs.

Andrew Hills then returned and promptly cleaned out Porter with his second delivery, exposing Hornchurch's middle order to both seamers pace and accuracy. Grays wrapped up the tail.

In reply Grays' chase was epitomised by the calm manner with which Krish Mitra compiled his match winning innings.

Mitra was content to accumulate and rotate the strike with great assurance while Mark O'Neill came to join him.

O'Neill provided a clutch of early boundaries, putting on 41 with Mitra. Mitra kept the runs flowing with clever sweeps and cuts, despite Thomas striking again for figures of 2-20 and Hawkins weighing in with one.

Grays pushed past three figures and Mitra and took Grays past the finish line unbeaten on 76.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)