Nail-biting draw at Northwood

Jesters 255-4 (Nag 58*, Naeem 53, Sohail 50*, Chak 45)

Northwood 238-9 (Naeem 5-30)

Match drawn

The Jesters innings was a 'sandwich' of styles and a great team effort from the Jesters middle order. Debutants Naeem and Sohail hit quick 50s in the first 10 and final 10 overs, with the filling of a classic serene DJ-Shorbo partnership. Numbers 3 to 6 respectively were Naeem (53 off 36 balls, 1 six), DJ Chak (45 off 58), Nag (58* off 86) and Sohail (50* off 32, 2 sixes including one particularly big one onto the A404!)

The declaration came after 41 overs which left 42 overs for the opposition to chase the runs. Going into their final 20 overs all results were possible with Northwood needing 8 runs per over and 10-man Jesters (John Murphy pulled out with illness before the game) needing 7 wickets to force the result.

Northwood then scored 48 in the next 5 and momentum had shifted in their favour. But the Jesters picked up regular wickets and brought the rate under control. There were some controversial umpiring decisions along the way, but we got back to the task at hand. For the last few overs it was Jesters pushing for victory, falling agonisingly short as Northwood finished on 238 for 9. Pick of the bowlers was Naeem who completed an impressive debut with 5-30.

Jesters XI: Berman (c), Hudson, Rehan, Naeem, Chak, Nag, Sohail, Mushie, Amir, Smyth, Murphy (DNP)