Wanstead lose unbeaten run

PREMIER division champions Wanstead’s ambitions to go through the season unbeaten came to an abrupt end as a lacklustre display saw them well-beaten by a resurgent Hainault outfit.

Afran Akram elected to bat but the home side’s fine attack saw all the batsmen struggling for runs and only John Chambers making a fist of getting a decent score.

He fought doggedly for his 34 but was dismissed on the point of lunch when he clipped the ball to square leg.

Seven down at lunch for 98 didn’t promise much and little was forthcoming as the last three added only 17 runs. Irfan Shah starred for Hainault as he took six wickets for 42.

In the reply, Harron Awan dismissed Mouhsik Ismail for 0, but no further wicket fell until A Zafar was dismissed for 24 by John Chambers.

The same bowler took two further wickets but that was all the joy Wanstead had as Shah dominated the batting.

The winning runs were scored by John Evams (16 not out) and Shah was 62 not out at the rather early close of play.

Wanstead skipper Afran Akram admitted he was disappointed to lose the unbeaten record, but said his young side will only improve.

“I am disappointed but not overly upset to lose the run. The amount of effort the boys have put in this season is amazing,” he said.

“Twenty-five games unbeaten is a record that not too many clubs can shout about in Premier League cricket. We have achieved history.

“We have a young and hungry side and I believe that we have the players to retain our title and achieve this feat again.”