Unbeaten Dinton continue strong start to the season

Bowling first on a wet wicket that offered lots of assistance to the seam bowlers, Faisal Ali tore through the Brickhill top order to put Dinton in a strong position from the start.

Bowling with exceptional skill and control, Ali removed the top five batters, including the dangerous Mark Nelson, to leave the home side struggling on 23-5.

Some lower order resistance moved the score forward, with Arran Aris playing a lone hand for his 42, but Dinton always held the upperhand.

Will Fisher took 2-17 to continue his excellent start to the season and Ali finished with the exceptional figures of 6-36 from his 17 overs.

The hosts were dismissed for just 116.

In reply, Dinton lost opener Brennan Gough in the first over but that was their only alarm of the innings as they batted with positivity to inch closer to the target and reduce the runs needed.

Faisal Ali capped off a great all round display with a well made 51, the top score of the match.

He was assisted by some big hitting from Mark Ludlow (23) and Neil Roberts which saw Dinton cruise home with plenty of wickets and overs to spare.

The victory keeps Dinton top and with a record of four wins and one draw, they currently hold a healthy 28-point lead over second-placed Aston Rowant IIs.

This weekend, Dinton welcome winless Cumnor for another Division One clash in the Cherwell League.

Dinton are also in action at home on Sunday when they entertain Bledlow in the regional final of the National Village Cup.

It’s a 1pm start and all spectators are welcome. A victory for Dinton would take them one step closer to the National Village Cup final which takes place at Lord’s.