Foxton 1st XI 229-6 (41.2 overs) Ickwell 1st XI 227-9 (48 overs)
Lawrence Farnum's form with the bat returned with a flourish as his unbeaten century enabled Foxton to score a four wicket win at home against a plucky Ickwell side, who belied their lowly league position. Winning the toss and batting they posted the highest league total against a Foxton side this season, thanks largely to three batsmen, Shahbaz Hussain with a sparkling 64 (six fours, four sixes), opener David Robertson 58 (seven fours) and skipper Jay Szwajbak with 50 not out (six fours). The home bowlers stuck to their task all afternoon and the wickets were evenly shared with two each for Max Bowen, Antonnel Atwell, Tom Stone and Mark Ferrari, the latter making an important breakthrough in his first over, dismissing the dangerous looking Hussain l.b.w. with his first ball after a 97 stand between the number five and opener Robertson.
A rain shower during tea freshened up the wicket and opening pace bowler Hussain took full advantage of this having both home openers Gareth Roots and Atwell, plus skipper Peter Moor back in the pavilion with only 41 on the board. Cei Sanderson then joined Farnum and they launched a fightback with a 43 stand, and boundaries began to flow. Sanderson was then trapped l.b.w. from a full toss by spinner Jay Szwajbak for 23 to leave Foxton at 84-4, but, fielding arguably their strongest batting line-up this season they were still feeling hopeful. Adam Webster, batting at six, and Farnum, back to his very best, then notched a match deciding stand of 110 for the fifth wicket, with the latter being particularly savage on the visiting bowlers. At Webster's departure for 25, bowled by James Hannaford, Farnum was on 92 and the winning post was in sight at 194-5. He then went on to complete the task scoring the winning runs with yet another boundary to finish on 103 not out (18 fours, one six) and Foxton were home after 41.2 overs losing six wickets. Visitors opening bowler Hussain toiled hard and completed his maximum 16 overs with 3-52. Ickwell cause was not helped by conceding 41 extras.
The league was flung wide open with leaders March losing their away match at Nassington, and with just four matches remaining their lead in now just 12 points and anyone of the top four, March, Foxton, Godmanchester or Ramsey may emerge as champions.
Foxton 2nd XI lost by 85 runs at Ashdon and their promotion hopes are fading.
Next week the 1st XI face a testing home fixture when they host Camden whilst the 2nd XI visit Milton II.