With the NPL season nearing its end, the Squirrels needed to pick up as many points as possible at Papplewick and Linby in a massive game.

Captain Allcoat lost the toss and the home side put the Squirrels into bat. Sidhu and Heiden (20 from 42 balls, 3 fours) laid a great platform at the top of the order especially against some disciplined bowling putting on 31 for the first wicket from just over 13 overs.

Perera replaced Heiden at the crease and another valuable partnership (45) was formed before Sidhu (19 from 79 balls, 2 fours) was dismissed.

Allcoat entered the crease and alongside Perera built an outstanding partnership of 63 which included some exquisite strokes and counter-attacking blows. Allcoat was out for a nearly run-a-ball 35 (4 fours, 1 six) but Perera was still at the crease composed and not fazed despite a couple more wickets going down.

#7 Murray came out to bat and took the game to the opposition scoring a dazzling 28 from 23 balls (3 fours, 1 six). It was counter-attacking at its best and this knock ensured the momentum didn’t totally swing in favour of the home side in a crucial period of the game.

Perera brought up his 8th 50 of the season but was then dismissed for 61 (6 fours, 92 balls). This innings was a masterclass in batting. The shot selection and temperament displayed by Perera was most impressive. Squirrels finished on 184 all out inside 49 overs.

Papplewick and Linby came out to bat after tea and were struck immediately by the dynamic duo of Harvey and Barker.

3 of their top 4 were back in the clubhouse with only 24 on the scoreboard. Harvey picked up 2 out of the 3 and Barker who was making his first appearance for the 1st team this season trapped their #4 lbw which caused a massive cheer from the lads and away supporters.

2 more wickets fell for the same score with Harvey in the wicket column again and a run out courtesy of a combination of Perera’s neat piece of fielding and keeper Murray’s awareness.

All-rounder Perera was then given the ball and picked up 3 wickets with his spin (10-4-18-3) denting the home side’s hopes of getting back into the game despite some lower order resistance.

Simkiss also bowled and picked up a massive wicket with the help of Kitt taking a wonderful catch. The Squirrels only needed 1 more wicket to pick up the full 20 points and Allcoat brought back man of the moment Harvey for inspiration.

Harvey has been sensational in recent weeks and it took him no time in getting the last wicket. Harvey finished on 4 wickets (9.5-2-24-4) and the Squirrels won by 67 runs strengthening their position to 8th in the NPL table.

Harvey’s ability to hit the seam, make the ball move and continuously test the batsmen was exceptional.

2 games left for the 1st team and the next is at home against Cavaliers & Carrington. You do not want to miss it!