Scintilla CC celebrate win double in Essex County League

The first team hosted third-placed Millwall in Division One at Oakfield but managed only 142 after choosing to bat first.

Sajal Rahman and Mj Hasan combined for 63 runs, both hitting two sixes, with Bilal Khan and Saad Bidiwala adding 25 late on.

And Mohit Gupta struck after tea to reduce Millwall to 25-3 before retiring with injury.

Fazlur Rashid and Aqib Ejaz shone in the field, with Adnan Walayat picking up three wickets as Ishaq Shawn, Bidiwala, Sajal Rahman and Shamim Ali also had success to seal a 31-run win and maintain their hold on top spot.

“Our only focus is on the next game and the next game alone. We were below par but the strength of character of this team is special and our never-say-die attitude is second to none,” said captain Shawn.

“There’s still plenty of cricket to play and there are some exceptional teams who are more than capable of putting a run together during the business end of the league campaign.”

A blistering seven wicket haul from captain Aqib Ejaz was the overwhelming highlight as Scintilla seconds beat Shane Moss to secure first place in Division Two at Fairlop.

Shane Moss chose to bat but were overwhelmed by Aqib and skittled for just 87.

Scintilla struggled with the bat as Yasin took six wickets in a bid to match Aqib’s breathtaking display with the ball, but a crucial knock of 35 from Aariful Islam steadied the ship as the hosts won by two wickets in 18 overs.

“It is the week of Eid and our best wishes to all those celebrating. The team displayed great togetherness from beginning to end,” said man of the match Aqib.

“Our off-field hard work has paid off so far but we will need to graft even harder if we want to do well in this league. There are no easy games and every single encounter will be difficult and challenging. We will give our best to rise to the challenges.”