Proctor hits the winning runs for Amateur

HINCKLEY Amateurs kicked off their season with a convincing win over local rivals Newbold Verdon.

Despite the sunny weather the damp conditions over the last few weeks forced new skipper Ashley Harrison to put the home side in, and they were soon in trouble with Alan York taking two early wickets, another two for Jamie Harris-Ensor and one each for Harrison and James Axon, before evergreen spinner Mick Butterworth took the final three as the villagers were all out for 117.

Newbold bowled well in reply as Jason Tipping went early. Solid knocks came from Axon with 17, Shoib Dadu 21 and York 37, before Ollie Winder with an unbeaten 30 and Ed Proctor hit the winning runs with a mighty six as they got home by six wickets.

Amateur 2nds struggled at home against Loughborough town, Steve Mustin and Ben Smith opening 50 stand looked a good platform, but when Smith was run out, the middle order collapsed as they reached just 111. Loughborough survived a couple of early scares but eased home by 9 wickets.

Amateur 3rds had a good win over Leicester Ivanhoe at Swallows Green. Opening bowlers Sasha Kumar with twowickets and Cliff Pardoe three had the visitors in early trouble. Tom Flannery with 2 -23 and youngster Fedia Muzychenck 3- 9 all helped by some superb fielding and catching finished off the innings for just 95. Haj Gill top scored with a gritty 21, skipper Dan Hall 18 and then Kumar with an unbeaten 19 got the Amateurs home by three wickets with 20 overs to spare.