Defending champions GB Strikers edge past Royal Sovereign

GB Strikers made it four wins from five with a thrilling 19-run victory over Royal Sovereign to close the gap on North East London Cricket League leaders London Fields.

In scorching sunshine, the Strikers won the toss and chose to bat, with Sufyan Data (30) and Zakaria Bham (31) putting on a solid opening partnership.

However, excellent bowling by Lucius Fulgence (3-26) brought the Sovereign back to life and wickets fell in quick succession until Hafiz Rizwan Mulla (57) and Khalil Mulla (44 not out) brought GB to a respectable 242-9.

In reply, Sovereign were soon in trouble thanks to the bowling of Suliman Gajia (2-49), but a good partnership between Randy Fenton (23) and Mark Stephney (63) got them back in the game.

Another outstanding partnership between Luke Browne (45) and Wayne Christian (29) meant the game almost slipped away from GB Strikers, but excellent death bowling by Maqsood Patel saw them over the line.

Coach and Horses moved up to fifth after beating Tower Hamlets by five wickets.

Tower Hamlets, who won the toss and decided to bat, were propped up by S Ahmed, who fell four runs short of his maiden century, but Shahin Tota went on to pick up five wickets, ensuring Hamlets were all out for 252.

In reply, Coach openers Sohel Ahmed (31) and Kevin-Prince Dollard (69) made light work of the Hamlets bowling.

They were followed by Edgar Madicott (79), who eased them to victory with an over to spare.