Anwar inspires Stanmore success (From Times Series)

Impressive Stanmore enjoy Southgate success in Middlesex County Cricket League Division One

4:50pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in Sport

Stanmore put their opening day defeat behind them with a crushing six-wicket success over visitors Southgate in Middlesex County Cricket League Division One.

Having lost the toss, Stanmore were put in to the field and looked to be on the back foot as they struggled to make early inroads.

Southgate reached 68 before Alvin Durgacharan (27) was dismissed but the real breakthrough came with when fellow opener Jamie Jouning (67) was bowled by Nicholas Goh, leaving the visitors on 122 for four.

Two further wickets fell for a gain of just four more runs and although Tuan Hadgie’s knock of 41 steadied the ship, Southgate were eventually dismissed for 205.

Goh proved the most deadly with the ball, picking up a five-wicket haul at the expense of 66 while Mukesh Bhatt (four for 74) also impressed.

Stanmore’s reply did not get off to the best of starts as opening pair Navin Samarakoon (20) and Steve Mehra (one) both fell early, leaving the home side on 23 for two.

However, the partnership of Mark Ramprakash and Omar Anwar proved pivotal in the success, as the duo led the recovery.

Ramprakash was next to fall but reached his half-century with a score of 56, while Tom Cullen (15) was the only other member of the order to make a return to the pavilion.

Anwar’s century knock proved the backbone of the chase though, putting on an unbeaten 105 to lead Stanmore to victory.

Stanmore host Finchley on Saturday.