Phoenix batted first in this league encounter against the Balrothery men. The Parekh brothers contributed a combined total of 39 and with Mark Cowley also out Wardell and Vaidyanathan came together at 64 for 3. There followed a sustained spell of attacking batting with Wardell being dropped on 18 and taking full advantage by going on to make an impressive 77 and his partner was dropped several times before he eventually was pouched at the third attempt when on 93. This used to be termed in the vernacular as jug avoidance. There were a few dismissals late in the innings but neither Morrissey nor Sheikh were required to face a ball as Phoenix set the visitors a target of 257.
Visiting scorer Andrew Mooney was not confident that his side would chase 257 but for much of their innings they looked on schedule to beat Phoenix. Jonathan Andrews was partnered first by McLoughlin and then by Singh who made 20 and 27 respectively and the opener made the game’s only century in a stand with Bertram. Astute captaincy by Cavanagh saw Sheikh reintroduced to the bowling attack and a three wicket maiden left the visitors on 187 for 6. In the end Phoenix had the luxury of Sheikh not attempting a catch off Lunson as he successfully went for his own haul of five wickets. Vaidyanathan took a vital wicket and the Chrises also took their share of the bowling burden. The bowling was backed up by good catching particularly from Shoaib Parekh but also Cavanagh and Ali. North County were all out for 203.
