Burnham climb away from relegation

What a difference one win makes. Last week Burnham were languishing in the relegation zone; this week they are sitting comfortably in sixth place, two places clear of the danger zone.

However, the gap between Mohammed Fazal’s side and second from bottom Gerrards Cross is a mere 10 points, highlighting how close Home Counties Premier Division 2 West is this season.

A tight one-wicket win gave Burnham 25 points against Wokingham and the skipper picked out one man for special praise, Harveer Gandam.

As the batting line-up wobbled, Gandam came in and fired 36 not out to steer his side to victory.

“Harvey Gandam was superb,” commented Fazal. “He hit 36 not out for us. We put in a good bowling performance but made it hard for ourselves with the bat. Then Gandam came to our rescue.

“There’s still a long way to go. One win takes you away from relegation. One loss pulls you right back down into it.

“It’s funny this year because everyone’s beating everyone. It’s going to be tight to the end.”

Wokingham batted first and found Burnham’s attack hard to handle as Aftab Khan and Fazal took three wickets each, while Nawaz claimed two important dismissals. Wokingham finished on 153 all out off 35.4 overs.

Burnham’s reply was a little shaky at times as Ryan Hiscoe tormented the top order to claim 5-55.

But Gandam showed his class to lead the Memorial Ground club to 153-9 in 39.5 overs.

“It was a good win, a tight finish at the end,” Fazal reflected. “We should have made it easier but a win’s a win.”

On Saturday Burnham host second-placed Finchampstead.