Falkland’s away struggles continue in Home Counties Cricket League despite Baker’s 81

Falkland Cricket Club’s difficult away form continued on Saturday in a loss to Datchet.

The side are yet to win away from home this season, but have enjoyed three victories on their own pitch.

They lost the toss and were made to bat on Saturday, with captain James Bird joined by Chris Baker from the off.

Bird was dismissed for a duck after three balls, but Baker would show resilience as a determined innings developed.

He batted superbly, hitting eleven fours in an innings which lasted three and a half hours.

Baker absorbed 145 balls on his way to 81, anchoring the innings before finally being bowled by Steven Naylor.

While Baker led the way a number of his teammates made useful contributions alongside him.

Wicketkeeper Ben Piper was one, hitting 21 from 20 balls before Anthony Hennis and Bobby Brown made single figure scores.

New Zealand’s Elliot Seddon demonstrated some excellent technique, hitting a run-a-ball 51 in just three quarters of an hour.

Datchet were left with a target of 246 and they made a disastrous start.

Shahbaz Azizullah went for a golden duck, caught by Oliver Hamlin off a James Higgins delivery.

His partner Zain Ashar had contrasting fortunes however, hitting 60 from 86 balls.

He was joined by Murad Khan, who hit 75 runs from 76 balls to propel Datchet to within touching distance.

Steven Naylor hit 48 runs to help his side over the line, as Datchet finished 248/5 and won by five wickets.

The result leaves Falkland third from bottom of the Home Counties Cricket League Division Two.

They have three wins to their name, all coming at home, but have lost four times.

Things are tight however, and another win could easily see the side shoot back up into midtable.

On Saturday they’ll be back on home soil, as third placed Slough come to Enborne Lodge.