Tows travelled to third placed Wroxton ‘A’ knowing that a win would be decisive in denting their opponents’ promotion prospects.

On winning the toss skipper Roger Wilson had no hesitation in inviting the hosts to bat on a very dry pitch. Tows opening bowlers made an immediate impact - Dan Frayne's second delivery scattering opener Talib's stumps with a fast yorker
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Frayne's pace clearly troubled Wroxton's top order and their response was to play very aggressively, if not a little recklessly. Ruksar and Ali added 22 runs in quick time but Frayne then bowled Ruksar for 21.

At the other end the ever reliable Andy Cater was bowling tightly and getting the occasional delivery to move sharply off the wicket. In the eleventh over he bowled Ali with a beauty.

Frayne was replaced after a five over burst by Andy Roberts who showed good control. He was rewarded in his second over - bowling F. Ahmed. Cater quickly followed this up having Aykaz Ahmed bowled off his pads and Naz LBW.

Wroxton were now 65/6 with their innings in free fall. In came skipper Aftab Hussain who decided all-out attack was the only option. He played a succession of ambitious shots and had some success.

The next Tows bowler to have an impact was Alex Duncan who took over from Cater after his excellent 10 over spell taking 3/23. Duncan soon settled into a good length and in his second over bowled both Nadir Khan and Toyad.

Frayne returned as Wroxton continued to attack and proved too much for the remaining batsmen. He had Zak very well caught by David Roberts at deep extra cover and then finished off the innings as he had begun it as Aftab Hussain was comprehensively bowled for an hard hitting 33.

It was an excellent all round performance by the Tows bowlers to dismiss Wroxton in just 27 overs. Dan Frayne's effort of 4/40 was the highlight. He bowled with good pace and, although occasionally wayward, made life uncomfortable for all who faced him.

Chasing such a low target all openers Tom Sheppard and David Roberts had to do was begin the reply with some composure. Sheppard certainly did this, taking his time to assess the pitch and the bowling but Roberts started aggressively. He played a number of fine square drives and pulls, including a signature 'slap drive' that saw him dropped at cover and continued to score quickly.

Although Aftab Hussain bowled with energy Sheppard and Roberts were in no difficulty and comfortably progressed at five runs an over. Roberts was again put down off a top-edge but had the presence of mind to take a second run as the ball lay beside the frustrated fielder – to the huge amusement of his teammates.

Sheppard was now batting nicely and has progressed to 23 when he was surprisingly bowled by Aykaz Ahmed from an off-break that spun sharply and kept a little low but his partnership of 75 with Roberts had set up the win for Tows.

Roberts was joined by Ollie Drage who was clearly determined to finish the job quickly. He hit a number firm drives as the total climbed. Roberts was eventually smartly caught and bowled by Aykaz Ahmed for 42. It was a good knock and he clearly enjoyed himself.

Michael Alcock was next in and survived another excellent over from Aykaz Ahmed before hitting him over cover. Three more boundaries from Drage and the job was done as Towcestrians reached their target in 22 overs.

Tows have no match next Saturday but the following week sees the important top of the table clash against Kings Sutton.

For full SNCL results see SNCL Results

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