Crows into last 32 of national cup

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl in damp conditions, Park got off to a flyer. Bradley Payne ripped through Mayfield’s top order by grabbing the first five wickets to fall with a special mention of his spectacular celebration when he took the fifth!

At the other end, with a more serene and dignified display, Paul Brookes frustrated Mayfield with a miserly spell of 2-6 off his nine overs. A superb fielding display was highlighted by some excellent catches with Paul Lindfield snatching two superb takes at gully as Mayfield were bowled out for 78.

Park knew that chasing a low score was not going to be straightforward, but they got off to a relatively secure start with young Cameron Flanagan and Dale Payne taking the score to 19 without loss.

The introduction of James Allen, however, made life very difficult for Park and the left arm spinner trapped Dale Payne lbw. Lindfield upped the tempo, but he too fell to Allen and when Ayres was bowled the same over, Park were in trouble at 38-5.

With plenty of batting still to come, Park weren’t hitting the panic button just yet, but when Tong was caught at first slip, Park were 50-6. However, Bradley Payne topped off his superb weekend with bat and ball by guiding Park home with an unbeaten 19, ably supported by Martin Barry, as Park won by four wickets.

Park now travel to Ditton CC in Aylesbury on Sunday June 30 with the Lord’s dream still very much alive.