North Enfield maintain bragging rights with T20 win

North Enfield Cricket Club hosted their annual T20 cricket match against Enfield Ignations Rugby Club <i>(Image: Enfield Ignations RFC)</i>
North Enfield Cricket Club hosted their annual T20 cricket match against Enfield Ignations Rugby Club (Image: Enfield Ignations RFC)
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North Enfield Cricket Club maintained local bragging rights after edging past Enfield Ignatians RFC by four wickets in a thrilling annual T20 contest at Strayfield Road.

Chasing 172 for victory, North Enfield looked set for a comfortable success before a dramatic collapse brought the visitors roaring back into contention.

However, the hosts held their nerve to reach their target with four balls to spare, finishing on 172-6.

North Enfield made a blistering start to their reply, scoring at more than 10 runs an over as William Munt and Adam Jessop took full advantage of some wayward bowling.

The pair dominated the early stages, powering their side to 96 without loss and putting the chase firmly under control.

Munt was the first to depart the action after retiring unbeaten on 53, but North Enfield suffered an immediate setback when Otis Halley pulled a full toss straight to mid-wicket from his first delivery.

Jessop continued to lead the charge, sharing a productive partnership with Ahmed Kaleem as the hosts tightened their grip on the contest.

The run chase remained on track when Jessop retired on 50 not out, having struck five fours and a six, while Kaleem continued to accumulate runs confidently.

At 149-1, North Enfield appeared to be cruising towards victory.

Instead, Enfield Ignatians produced a remarkable fightback as five wickets fell for just 16 runs.

Kaleem was dismissed for 25 after a superb catch behind the stumps, while Daniel Merrall was bowled first ball by an excellent delivery.

Mike Hovermill and Ben Greenfield also fell cheaply before Oliver Munt was caught at short cover for seven, leaving the hosts wobbling on 165-6.

With the match suddenly in the balance, Johnny Greenfield and Nick Munt kept their composure.

Requiring six runs from the final over, Greenfield settled any nerves by finding the boundary through deep third before pulling another scoring shot to the leg side to guide North Enfield over the line.

Earlier, Enfield Ignatians had posted a competitive 171-4 from their 20 overs.

Andy Corgan anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 52, while Paul Duke contributed 33.

Callum Middleton added 24 before Ishan Tilakaratna accelerated impressively towards the end of the innings, finishing unbeaten on 36.

In the end, though, their efforts were not quite enough as North Enfield squeezed home in a superbly contested match that went right down to the wire.

Elsewhere, both of the club's league fixtures on Saturday were cancelled, with next weekend bringing the final round of the league season.

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