Win, Lose and Draw for Syston

With our overseas safely on English soil and victory against Sileby still fresh in their minds, the 1st XI headed to champions Loughborough Town with no fears. But despite a relatively low target to defend, Loughborough showed their class in the field, beating the 1st XI by 71 runs. Elsewhere the 2nd XI were thwarted by the final batting pair of Cosby resulting in just a draw, and the Sunday XI battled through artic conditions for their first win of the campaign.

1st XI - Despite a flurry of wickets falling late on, the 1st XI were unable to stop the heavy hitting of Loughborough who scored a reasonable 185 from their 50 overs. Mitchell Buck top scored with 47 before becoming one of Mo Pardesi's 3 wickets. Indeed all 8 wickets taken were from spinners, Saqlain picking up 3 and Mike Peacock picking up the wickets of both Loughborough openers.

But the run chase was a disaster from the off, with Waqas Akhtar being trapped LBW on just the 3rd ball of the innings - Raja Hayet also falling for a duck soon after. Aleem Mahmood (51) and Mike Peacock (19) steadied the ship taking the team to 90-3 before a mixup between the wickets lead to Mike's run out. That was the end of Syston's attempt at victory as the final 6 wickets fell for a total of 24 runs.

2nd XI - Andy Corbett will feel mightily frustrated as his team could not capitalise on their winning position as Cosby held out for a draw. Posting a formidable 228-8 in just 45 overs allowed the hosts to enjoy their tea. Jamie Drake (52), Prem Prajapati (45) and Tom Corbett (44*) causing the damage with the bat.

Cosby who fielded just 10 men could not put together a partnership to mount a serious challenge as wickets fell at regular intervals. Tom Corbett continued his fine performance picking up 3 wickets but the final and most important wicket wasn't fourth coming.

3rd XI - This match will be remembered more for the temperature than the cricket on show as Ivan Spieby took his men to victory for the first time in 2010 in what can only be descibed as "cold" conditions. Fielding first Syston enjoyed immediate success as Charlie Taylor made the break through in the first over. Although the 2nd wicket didn't fall for another 14 overs, the scoreboard ticked by slowly with only 30 runs coming from the first 12 overs. George Corbett, Peter Short and Robin Marston then went about taking apart the middle order before Charlie returned to pick up the final two wickets.

Chasing a low 125 Syston reached their target within 17 overs to spare. But not without a wobble as 3 wickets fell in quick succession. Charlie Taylor saw the side home with a dogged 42, Paddy Oakman also chipped in with 32.