Panesar stars on Bedfordshire return

England spinner Monty Panesar claimed three wickets on his comeback for Bedfordshire as they beat Suffolk by 45 runs on D/L method in their opening Unicorns KO Trophy Group Four clash at Ampthill Town CC on Sunday.
Monty Panesar watches on for Bedfordshire at the weekendMonty Panesar watches on for Bedfordshire at the weekend
Monty Panesar watches on for Bedfordshire at the weekend

With Suffolk chasing 249 to win, Panesar, who has signed for Northamptonshire this season, and was playing to get some much-needed match practice for the county, returned figures of 3-20 from 10 overs, including three maidens.

Suffolk finished on 113-5 as there were wickets for Colin Griggs (1-12) and Dean Bruce (1-34) giving Beds an excellent opening victory.

Bedfordshire totalled 248-7 in their innings thanks to a superb unbeaten century from captain Andy Reynoldson.

The skipper came to the crease with his side 2-2 after George Thurstance (0) and Ben Howgego (1) were both dismissed.

He put on 49 with Luke Thomas (20), before adding another 82 with Northants and ex-Dunstable player Rob Keogh, who hit a rapid 58 from 64 balls.

With wickets then falling, Reynoldson went on to complete his hundred, finishing unbeaten on 123 from 163 balls with nine fours and six sixes.

Bedfordshire also played Northants in a friendly Twenty20 clash at the County ground last Thursday.

Rob Keogh raises his bat after passing 50 for BedfordshireRob Keogh raises his bat after passing 50 for Bedfordshire
Rob Keogh raises his bat after passing 50 for Bedfordshire

Batting first, Northants made 155-5 as Alex Wakely, a former Beds player himself, made 42, and Richard Levi hit 40 as Reynoldson claimed 3-36 with wickets for B Sanderson (1-28) and Colin Griggs (1-34).

Beds then made 142-5 in response as Northants wicket-keeper Adam Rossington, loaned to Beds for the match, scored 57 from just 29 balls, while G Munsey made 26.

However, they fell short as Saif Zaib took 3-15 from three overs as Beds were restricted to 142-5, falling short by 13 runs.

Beds travel to Buckinghamshire in their MCCA Unicorns KO Trophy clash this Sunday, with the game taking place at Gerrards Cross CC.

They they host Wiltshire at Dunstable Town CC on Sunday, May 8.

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