Amateur slump continues in league

HINCKLEY Amateur’s mid-season slump continued as they lost by six wickets to Syston Town.

Amateur lost number two Garry Roach early but opener Jamie Harris-Ensor scored steadily with 18 and Shoib Dadu with 31 before big-hitting Ed Proctor hit a trademark 70.

A middle-order collapse restricted the Amateur before Alan York was out in the last over for 36 and Craig Hatcher with an unbeaten 18 took the score to 206-8.

Ashley Harrison took an early wicket in the Syston reply and at 110-4 the match was in the balance but a match-winning sixth wicket partnership saw the home side triumph by four wickets with Jamie Harris-Ensor finishing with 4-48.

Another exciting game at Ashby Road as Amateur 2nd XI edged out rivals Earl Shilton at home.

The visitors scored an impressive 212-6 in 45 overs with James Millinship top-scoring with an unbeaten 71 with good support from Pavan Singh (32) and captain Zac Potter (30).

Steve Proctor was pick of the Amateur bowlers with 3-51 and skipper Matt Smith taking two wickets - John Fitt (18) with an lbw, and stumping Ben Sutton (18).

Amateur lost openers Steve Mustin (1) and Kenny Burke (7) early but captain Paul Ley led the reply with a superb unbeaten 91.

Mid-order batsmen Sam Gill put in a good contribution with 48 and Gareth Patterson scored 31.

With six needed off the last over Nigel Hind smashed the first ball over the clubhouse to win the game in fine style, 213-5.

At Swallows Green Amateur 3rd XI lost out to Loughborough Outwoods.

On a super batting strip the Amateur bowlers did well to restrict the visitors to 239-9, Craig Bresland continuing his good form with 4-27.

Amateur got off to a poor start but keeper Haj Gill with 49 and Craig Bresland with 33 almost forced a draw until Ben Young with 30 was last out with just three balls to spare as they went down by 43 runs.