8th John Cumming Cup Final
United Sports Club v West Harrow CC

United Sports and West Harrow played in the 8th John Cumming Cup final of the Middlesex Premier Cricket League on Bank Holiday Sunday 27th August. Sanjay Trivedi (30) and Tushar Buch (70) gave West Harrow a perfect start with an opening stand of 99. United Sports failed to stem the early flow of runs as they attempted to take wickets rather than keep the runs low. Several catches went down as West Harrow coasted at 5 runs an over. Once the opening partnership was broken, United spinners managed to bring the flow of runs under control. United had given themselves a chance as three quick wickets by reducing West Harrow to 158-4. However, Manoj Shah (78no) with his stroke play accelerated the West Harrow run rate. A fifth wicket stand of 90 between Manoj and Suketu (38no) allowed West Harrow to close on 248-4 in 45 overs.

The United innings got of to a slow start. West Harrow's opening bowler for the last 15 years, Raja Patel made his mark on the final. Raja picked up three quick wickets as United were reduced to 32-3. The crowd were they treated to some clean hitting from Richard Walcott (39) as he struck four glorious sixes. This was a rare occasion that Raja had conceded fifty runs, however he did pick up three vital wickets in this 8 overs. Walcott was caught on the mid on boundary by Manoj Shah who completed his hat trick of catches. With the departure of Walcott, United's attempt to pull of a shock victory was gone. Kamlesh Desai (2-14) and Dilip Thakkar (2-32) went through the United tail as they were bowled out for 144 in 40.4 overs.

India's former opening batsman and captain, Sunil Gavaskar presented the John Cumming Cup to Dilip Thakkar of West Harrow. West Harrow's opening bat, Tushar Buch won the Man of the Match award for his 70 runs, which laid the foundation to the West Harrow total

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