Victoria Park Cricket League: Contenders celebrate first cup triumph

Contenders captured the Victoria Park Cricket League Cup after a dramatic one-wicket win over East London Community.

It was the league leaders first trophy triumph and it could not have come in more dramatic circumstances in a low-scoring affair.

Orett Hoilett and Derick Campbell were the heroes as the last pair put on almost 50 runs against the odds to win the trophy.

Community tried everything to get that final wicket and in the end the match was won by a wide.

"It's our first cup victory and the best feeling ever," beamed captain Layton Worghs.

"It was a great team effort an everybody chipped in."

Community won the toss and batting first failed to build partnerships as Ken Willock bowled well to take 2-26 from his four overs.

Needing 137 for victory, Dee Alexander gave Contenders a good start with a well-made 35, while Willock made 29.

Community however got themselves back into the game as Waheed Khan and Altaf Haq picked up three wickets apiece, to put themselves in the driving seat.

Enter Hoilett and Campbell, who blasted their side to an unlikely victory.

"I was nervous but confident at the same time," Worghs added.

"It would be a dream if we could do the league/cup double and I am confident we can do it. It is our third year in this league and we have the perfect blend of players."

Contenders were also in league action last week and were held to a thrilling draw by mid-table side London Fields.

The pace-setters won the toss and batting first could only make 127, with Hoilett (32), Kester Baptiste (28) and Willock (20) the main scorers.

Chris Skinner Bagged three wickets in just two overs, while Will Isaac and Paul Turley claimed two scalps each.

Chasing the modest total, the pressure started to build on Fields, who had Robin Friend to thank, as his excellent 51 gave their innings backbone, with Isacc's vital 27 helping their side claim the draw and share of the spoils.

There was an equally exciting game in Division Two, when Victoria Lounge beat Junoon by two runs.

Batting first, Lounge made a decent 147-5 from their 16 overs, with Simon Wright batting well for 42, with Will Floyd making 26.

In reply, Junoon finished just two short of their target, despite the efforts of Ilyas (50) and Faisal (30).

Old Ranwellians showed good form with both bat and ball to beat Bengal Tigers by five wickets, reaching their target of 135, with three overs to spare.

Batting first, Tigers struggled to find the gaps in the field, although Imeson (43) and Hannon (35 not out) batted well.

Old Ranwellians opening pair Eaton and Hudson began the reply with something of an onslaught, as they found boundaries easy to come by.

Eaton smashed his way to a first half century of the season, but his retirement saw two new batsmen at the crease, with 50 still required.

Greening was in his element rotating the strike by ambling singles, with Nash supporting well to guide their side home.

An excellent bowling display, in particular by Parker led Wrong'uns to a two wicket win over Palace.

Palace never recovered from a brilliant open spell by Wrong'uns Parker.

His opening four balls, described by the Chats Captain Gary Horsman as the best he has ever faced, bowled left arm round the wicket and swinging in extravagantly, set the tone, and Chats Palace were never able to impose themselves.

Wrong'uns themselves struggled in reply to the modest total, losing wickets regularly, with John Saunders-Griffiths and Stuart McKean each bagging two wickets apiece.

An excellent all round display from Jubayed helped Victoria Park Juniors to a six-wicket win over Victoria Park Juniors.

Jubayed helped himself to three wickets as Cavaliers made 142-7, while he also starred with the bat, smashing 55 and helping his side to the win.

Rose & Crown maintained their healthy lead at the top of Division Two after a four wicket win over Pacific.

After being put in, Pacific aside from Purcell and Faisal struggled to score against the opening bowling of the Rose and Crown, who again were led by Dave Monaghan taking 3-26.

After the loss of two early wickets, a good third wicket stand guided the Rose and Crown to victory with a captains innings of 50 not out from Alan Hick and 39 for Sean Feeney.

Dynamite Ducks put in a solid display to beat East London Community by five wickets.

Altaf Haq, gave Community a decent start and made 27, while Yasar Ghayas struck 41.

In reply, Ahmad Farooq made 50 not out and Zaid Hanif hit an unbeaten 48 as Ducks reached their target with over three overs left.

Caledonian Conquerors were comfortable 62 run winners over a poor Island Community.

Fazal Mohammed retired on 50 to give Conquerors an ideal start with the bat and his knock was followed up by an unbeated 51 from Sajid Rehman.

Mohammed then starred with the ball, picking up 2-11 as Community slumped to 116-6.

Winston Williamson was the star for Stoke Newington as his four wickets helped his side to a four wicket win over Regents.

Regents won the toss and chose to bat. They were soon regretting that decision as Williamson ran riot, with his four victims only costing 12 runs, with their opponents all out for 101.

In reply, Stoke Newington eased to the target, with Guy Walsh (46 not out) and Simon Hore (26) the key players.

Victoria Park Cricket LeagueFixtures: Monday: Division Three:(all matches published in pitch order): Old Ranwellians v Tower Hamlets College, Martians v Old Fallopians, London Tigers v Regents. Tuesday: Division Three: Stoke Newington v Best Nationals. Division One: Dynamite Ducks v Sky, Island Community v East London Community. Wednesday: Division Two: Victoria Lounge v Tufnell Parkians. Division Three: Old Ranwellians v Old Fallopians. Division Two: Wrong'uns v Junoon. Thursday: Division Three: Tower Hamlets College v Bengal Tigers.