Lions suffer defeat

By Ben Horne
September 4 2004

After a miserable season in the tote sport league Surrey suffered another defeat to Northamptonshire. Usman Afzaal hit 86 not out as the steelbacks completed a 5 wicket defeat.

After winning the toss Surrey decided to bat, but they were soon on the back foot as they slipped to 50 for 5. However Azhar Mahmood 67 and Ali Brown 54 helped the lions reach 179.

Jeff Cook and Usman Afzaal then shared in a partnership of 74 to put Northants in control after the early loss of Tim Roberts. Cook hit a useful 38 before departing to Sampson. However Afzaal was not to be dismissed and lead Northants to victory with 86 not out. Northants reached their revised target of 191 with a ball to spare.

This match was also Adam Hollioake’s last competitive cricket match as the former skipper has decided to hang up his boots after a 15 year playing career.