Chingford 226-9 dec
Gidea Park & Romford 222-8
(Premier League)

CHINGFORD came within two wickets of claiming a vital victory that would have all-but ensured their Premier League safety.

But equally, in an intriguing encounter, the Forestsiders could just have easily lost with Gidea Park needing just five runs to chase down their total of 226.

The hosts batted effectively, with captain Sam Kirnon top scoring with 29, while Jamie Hill (24), Rob Whitfield (21) and Paul Shorey (20) all helping put over 200 runs on the board for only the second time this season.

Ali Aslam did most of the damage with the ball for the visitors as he claimed an impressive tally of 5-65.

Gidea Park set about chasing down Chingford's score but, despite not claiming early wickets, Kirnon's men gradually whittled away the Gidea Park batsmen, Denver Calous taking 5-76.

In the end, Chingford could not find the two wickets they needed to claim the win, although Kirnon was happy with the effort from his players.

“This is the way the season has gone for us,” he said.

“It is only the second time we’ve put 200 on the board so I couldn’t have asked for more.

“The batted well also and we didn’t get the quick wickets early on.

“It was a good game. For a team one from bottom to almost win against the team second is a good result. I asked for everyone to put their hands up and they did.”