Pirton promoted after crushing win over Exiles

The ultimate team performance led to Pirton defeating Northampton Exiles II’s by 142 runs and booking promotion from Division 8b.

The wicket was slightly damp and Exiles did not hesitate to insert Pirton after winning the toss. Richard Falder (40) and Tom Laskowski (30) gave the villagers a good platform before Jake Howard (69 off 49 balls) brought up his 1000th league run of the season in a trademark attacking innings which included five sixes.

But the innings of the match belonged to Sam Davies (51 off 27 balls), who batted well in the closing overs with the lower order to make sure Pirton posted a daunting 269-7 off their 50 overs. Drupesh Patel bowled well for the hosts to record figures of 4-34.

A light drizzle then threatened to put a halt to proceedings but, luckily, the weather held off as Pirton backed up their batting performance with an equally impressive bowling and fielding display.

Jake Howard transferred his form with the bat to bowl superbly to register figures of 3-19. He was backed up well by Jake Laskowski (2-22) and Sam Davies (2-31), whilst there was a wicket apiece for David Newman (1-7), Sanchay Kaeley (1-17) and Tom Laskowski (1-30) as Northampton Exiles were bowled out for 127 in the 37th over.