Spartan were Harold Park's visitors to Raphael Park on Saturday, and in a reversal of last season's corresponding fixture, it was they who were pleased to settle for a draw.

Losing the toss, Park were sent into bat first and were soon in trouble. Opener David Fenton hit the first ball of the match for four and was promptly bowled by the second delivery.

Very soon Alex Satcher, with five runs to his credit, was trapped lbw by Walsh and Park were 10 for two. David Leadbeater joined Cliff Leondiou and they took the score to 40 when Leadbeater was also dismissed by Walsh for 11.

Collins did not trouble the scorers and Leondiou soon joined him in the pavilion for a patient 17. Park were reeling at 43 for five.

Keith Haden was now joined by Stuart Duggan and together they took the score to 72 when Haden was bowled by Telling for 13.

By now Duggan was enjoying himself, scoring quite freely and, with the backing of Haley, Savage and Reynolds, he went on to register his maiden half century for Park, his innings of 56 containing nine boundaries and to helping to register 157 for nine at tea.

For Spartan, Walsh bowled well for his four for 32 ably backed up by Purwal (2-28) and White (1-20).

Much to the amusement of his colleagues, Duggan was dismissed by young Paul Fenton, a Park player guesting for Spartan who lost a player in transit.

In reply, Spartan made a cautious start against the accurate bowling of Peter Haines and Russell Haley who conceded just 17 minutes in the first 12 overs. The score had reached 37 when Reynolds bowled Marsh surprisingly without a run to his name.

Crompton joined Elsey and the tempo increased with Elsey severe on any loose delivery. The spin of Leadbeater proved his undoing when he fell for 41 and the total of 71 for two.

The introduction of Alex Seutcher into the attack to join Leadbeater brought about a dramatic response, the scoreboard soon reading 88 for five and Park were in with a chance of victory.

Although two further wickets fell, stout defending by skipper McDonnell saw Spartan reach 125 for seven and ensure an honourable draw.

For Park, Seutcher took three for 13, Haley one for 23, Haines one for 20, Reynolds one for 12 and Leadbeater one for eight in a match played in good spirit and humour.

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