The Club Cricket Conference Yearbook 2020

Sovereign Trophy Final 2019 With rain the day before the final, which was on the 31st July, the National Cricket League (NCL) won an important toss, and elected to field first at Leatherhead CC. The South East Sunday Cricket League batted first and scored 192 for 8 in their allotted 45 overs, with Shabaz Alam anchoring the innings with 76 not out. The pick of the NCL bowlers was Adil Ali with 3 wickets for 33 runs. In reply, the NCL batsmen also found it difficult, similar to the SESCL innings, and it needed a special performance to get close or chase-down the target. A useful 2nd wicket partnership of 47 runs and a 4th wicket stand of 75 runs were crucial in reaching the total in 41.1 overs, with an outstanding performance and batting display from opener Hamza Ahmed of 98 runs; he was awarded as Man of the Match. The National Cricket League won by 4 wickets, to retain the Sovereign Trophy. The spirit from both set of players was really positive, and both Leagues players and officers have creating new friendship amongst one another. This is the true spirit that the Sovereign Trophy has brought since 1975, and continues on, in building bridges. Victorious NCL team - 77 -