Following two defeats, HHCC’s 2nd XI got off the mark with a limited over win at Old Tiffinians on Saturday. The hosts could only muster nine players and elected to bat first. Despite an opening partnership of 40 between skipper Saad Khan and Justin Smith, the home side capitulated to 104 all out in 30 overs.
Both openers and Safeer Butt fell in a three over spell from Jack Fullicks. Wicket-taking deliveries were interspersed with a string of wides and no-balls as he struggled to come to terms with the pronounced saddle on the Old Tiffinians square. Skipper Warren Carr also picked up three wickets with only Waraich (31) putting up any resistance.
Old Tiffinians nine men put up a spirited performance in the field, reducing Hill to 14-3 early on, Butt, Fernando and Joyce all succumbing cheaply. Ajmal Bhatti stood firm, however, and his 37 not out was the mainstay of Hill’s reply, ably assisted by Pankaj Malav (21) and Jack Fullicks (20). Justin Smith (3-38) was the pick of the bowlers as the total was reached in the 23rd over for the loss of six wickets.