TUCKER PREMIER DIV. 1

Camden 1st XI 176-7 (48 overs) Foxton 1st XI 179-5 (40.5 overs)

Tamwir Afzal making his debut for Foxton turned in a man of the match performance with both bat and ball in the away win at Camden and pushed his side to second place in the table. Losing the toss and batting first the home sides openers Nigel Gadsby and Will Sutton made a sure if slow start against the pace of Afzal and spinner Tom Stone. With the score at 37 Sutton unfortunately strained a hamstring and was forced to retire on 15. This appeared to encourage Afzal as he tore into the middle order rapidly removing numbers four, five and six to leave the hosts wobbling on 47-3 with Sutton unlikely to bat again effectively making it four down. Wicket keeper James Heywood then joined Gadsby and they advanced the total to 84 before Heywood was run out attempting a risky second run for 14. Gadsby meanwhile showing his experience had reached a hard working 50 and was aided by some hard hitting towards the end by Andrew Haines (11) and Martin Burton with a rapid 35 which included three sixes in a 62 stand. Afzal returned to complete his second spell and finished with the excellent return of 16-2-31-3. With veteran Gadsby carrying his bat for a very well crafted 76 Camden finished their innings on a competitive if slightly below par 176-7 from their allotted 48 overs.

Foxton's openers Antonnel Atwell and Cei Sanderson faced the all spin attack of Burton and Keith Vincent at the start using the old ball and made steady progress before Sanderson was caught behind by a ball that lifted for 16. Visitors skipper Lawrence Farnum joined Atwell and they pushed the score to 50 at which point Farnum was caught for 19 off Simon Gardner's first over of medium pace. Charlie Walker-Smith was introduced and immediately took the new ball and in his second over had Atwell l.b.w. for 19. Further success followed as Peter Moor was then bowled for 16. At 84-4 the game was now very much in the balance and with Foxton fielding a slightly weakened side with a longish tail much then depended on Adam Webster and Afzal. A best of the match stand of 67 between the two allayed any fears and when Webster was caught in the deep for a classily played 42 the winning post was in sight. It was left to Afzal to finish matters with 63 not out which included seven fours and a six and left Foxton feeling they have added an important asset to their squad. Best bowler for Camden was Walker-Smith with 3-51.

A successful day was rounded off with news of the 2nd XI's win at home to Chesterfords.

Next week the 1st XI start a run of three consecutive home matches when they entertain local rivals Sawston whilst the 2nd XI will visit Sawston III's.