Ruthless Edgware thump Winchmore Hill in opener
Even the sub-zero temperatures in North London could not put out Edgware's fire as they completed a record-breaking 183-run win against Winchmore Hill in the first game of the 2019 domestic season.
In an uncontested toss, Edgware CC elected to bat and made short work of the Winchmore CC openers, racing to 79-0 off the first 10 overs. Captain Ciaran Hosty appeared to have transferred over his good from from Malaga and reached his 7th Edgware fifty off just 30 balls. However, soon after reaching the milestone, Hosty was back in the pavilion after inside-edging a delivery onto his stumps. Hosty's fellow opening partner Sunny Halai, promoted to number 2 in the absence of Nakul Jilka, showed why his stock continues to rise as he struck 7 fours on his way to a glorious 47. Unfortunately for Sunny he fell just short of what would have been a maiden Edgware CC fifty after being adjudged LBW despite the ball appearing to have pitched outside leg.
Despite the good start, Edgware struggled to push the game forward in the middle overs following tight bowling from the Winchmore CC spinners and first change fast bowler. Edgware were reduced to 142-5 in the 25th over and it seemed as if they may struggle to get past 200. However, Raj Parmar (22) and Rohan Garara (56) ensured that Edgware would comfortably pass 200 as they put on 45 for the 6th wicket to put Edgware in control of the game. Following Raj Parmar's dismissal, Rahul Kothari took over where Raj left off, depositing a huge six down the ground into the residential street opposite on his way to a quick fire 21. Jude Saverus, Ananya Dixit and debutant Tushyam Sonecha batted out the remainder of the innings as Edgware posted their second highest total of 272-9.
At the halfway stage, Edgware were comfortable and despite the cold temperatures were particularly impressive in the field. After a tight start from opening bowlers Rahul Kothari and Rohan Garara, the two quickly reduced Winchmore Hill to 13-4 off 10 overs, with Rohan eventually taking 3-7 off 6 overs and Rahul taking 1-12 off his 6. Winchmore then consolidated their innings and put on more than 50 runs for the 5th wicket as the light started to fade.
Ciaran Hosty then turned to spinner Sunny Halai to provide some spark, and it was his spin and Ananya Dixit's medium pace that rescued Edgware as they took the remaining 5 wickets for just 20 runs to bowl out Winchmore Hill for 89. Sunny Halai finishing with figures 4/9 to go with his batting performance and Ananya Dixit continuing to impress the selectors with 2/5 off 4 overs.
The winning margin was the largest ever for an Edgware side and the pre-season tour of Malaga definitely appears to have worked wonders for the team as they embark on their most challenging and extensive season yet!
