Mixed bag for England

England Moderate Learning Difficulties squad enjoyed a mixed start to their preparations for the tri-nations series against Australia and South Africa.

Last month the side, managed by Ian Leather, comfortably saw off Portsmouth Community CC but slipped to a heavy loss to South East Hampshire under-16s a week later.

"This is the first time the squad has faced mainstream opposition," said Leather.

England won and lost during a recent trip to Hampshire - preparation games for November's tri-nation series

"But as the squad continually improves ahead of the tri-nations series against Australia and South Africa in November, it was felt that they needed to be challenged.”

Batting first against Portsmouth Community, England needed a wonderful 73 not out from Chris Edwards to get them to 134 for nine.

A terrific performance in the field meant England ran out winners by 60 runs.

Ben Little and Lee Stenning blew away the top order and 3-6 from John Hughes - one dismissal a stunning slip catch from Allun Hughes - meant Portsmouth were never in the hunt.

A week later England failed in their bid to overhaul South-East Hampshire's 222 for eight.
James Dickens and Pete Brown took two and three wickets respectively while Danny West made 63.

For more information on the MLD squad and its development programme please contact Ian Leather (07738 478364) or Les Randall (07947 311494).