RUISLIP Victoria were pleased to be able to field close to a full-strength side following last week's loss to local rivals Ruislip Manor and as a result secured an easy seven-wicket victory against opponents GWR.

Having won the toss, Victoria asked GWR to bat and soon the opening bowlers ensured the GWR innings got off to a slow start with tight opening spells from Chris Cooper and Stewart Ingram (3-18) including a superb one-handed caught and bowled above his head. Hakim Butt (2-23) then bowled a customary tight spell.

However Ahmed Choudhury showed how much he has been missed with a devastating spell of bowling to finish with 5-29, four of his victims clean bowled. GWR were finally dismissed for 85 from 47.1 overs.

This total was never going to be enough against a strong Victoria batting line-up and an opening stand of 35 from Neil Panchu and Paul Bailey ensured the Victoria reply got off to a solid start. Butt (29 not out) and James Bowden secured an comfortable victory by seven wickets to keep Victoria top of the Middlesex Championship Division Three.

Victoria seconds scored another seven-wicket victory against local rivals Ruislip. Steve Wright being the main destroyer with seven wickets and ensuring Ruislip were bowled out for 147. Victoria's batsman coasted in with Ken Condon scoring 45 not out, Yacub Vora 30 and Chris Goodchild 39.

July 18, 2002 09:00