Sileby Mushed by Saqlain

After the hype of his arrival, Saqlain Mushtaq delivered on the first time of asking by taking 7 wickets, as Syston ran home winners in a close match against Sileby Town. The
ex - Pakistan test star met with players and supporters before talking to the local press. He then went on to put in a brilliant individual bowling performance to help Syston start 2010 with a win. But it wasn't as straight forward as many had wished, with Sileby closing in on the target before falling at the end just 7 runs short.

Batting first Syston started the innings well with contributions from Umar Razzaq (62), Raja Hayat (20), Aleem Mahmood (17) and Waqas Akhtar (15). But the innings soon collapsed as Jigar Naik ripped through the middle order taking 3 wickets. Help also came from Callum Wilson and Micky Ruddle both picking up two wickets. Defending 172 in 51 overs could have proved difficult had a certain spinner not taken part.

Mo Pardesi removed opener Jake Gillett early on but it wasn't until the introduction of Mushtaq that Sileby looked in trouble. Javed Mamuji (36) was the only top batsman to put up any serious fight as wickets fell at regular intervals. A late stand from Callum Wilson (24) and Phil Chamberlain (7*) threatened to spoil the party before Saqlain wrapped up the match with a fine stumping from Pete Howard.