Flatts 122-9

Western Stars 123-4

For the second time in successive days Flatts were in with a chance against the opposition ? only to see it slip away.

Having watched their hopes of Eastern Counties glory be thwarted by Charlie Marshall?s brilliant, unbeaten hundred on Saturday ? after he was dropped in single digits ? Flatts were again on the losing end in the Premier Division yesterday.

Having Western Stars reeling on 32 for four, chasing 122 in 30 overs, the visitors were denied at St. John?s Field by a captain?s knock of 45 not out by Hasan Durham and an undefeated 44 by efficient allrounder Saleem Mukuddem.

Their unbroken stand of 91 for the fifth wicket saw Stars to safety in 28.1 overs after Flatts had scored 122 for nine off their overs, reduced because of wet conditions.

Vernon Eve?s 27, a lower-order 22 from Troy Bean and 20 extras were the mainstay of Flatts? innings.

It was indeed a productive day for Durham who also led by example with his spin bowling, snapping up four for 37 in six overs for Stars. Jacobi Robinson bowled a controlled spell of one for 16 from six with Gershon Gibbons and Justin Robinson collecting a wicket each also.

Durham and Mukuddem apart, no other batsman attained double figures when Stars replied as Don Vickers, Jekon Edness and Nakia Smith were sent back for lottery numbers ? four, eight and three ? with just 22 on the board.

However, Mukuddem and Durham ? the latter entering the fray after Justin Robinson was caught behind off Shannon Nusum for four ? soon set about repairing the damage, with the captain hitting out in the dying stages to ensure victory was secure before the last over.

Mukuddem struck four boundaries while Durham counted three fours and two sixes among his runs. Nusum took two for 15 off six overs for Flatts.