Wanderers 1stXI opening batters Jack Luffman and Clint Berkenshaw were in record breaking mood on Saturday as they followed up their unbeaten match winning partnership of 124 the previous week with an even bigger stand of 184 as they powered their side home to victory.
The partnership was the Wanderers' highest ever for any wicket and was dominated by the sublime Berkenshaw who scored his maiden century for the Club from just 40 balls including seven fours and nine massive sixes.
He was well supported by the more subdued Luffman, who was quite happy to watch the fireworks from the other end, as the pair never let the Dubai Lions bowling and fielding line-up settle as they tried in vein to defend their score. Berkenshaw would finish unbeaten on 110 from 47 balls and Luffman 65 from 56.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Lions' own opener Anwar had recorded an impressive century for himself in his team's total of 182-9. It has to be said the Wanderers were not at their best in the field, with five catches going down, but to their credit the bowling attack kept their heads and stuck to their plans. Berkenshaw and Brannon Varley each took a wicket while Ben Quirk (2-30) and Avi Karia (2-36) continued their impressive form with ball in hand. However, the pick was Danny Pawson who claimed 3-19 from his five overs in the middle of the innings, his discipline of line and length is a real plus for the Wanderers.
The 10 wicket, bonus point victory sends the Wanderers second in the table with four matches to go before the play offs. The 1stXI take on Ajman Heroes at the Sevens Stadium on Saturday, 1pm start.
In the afternoon, on the opposite pitch, the 2nd XI took on the aptly named All Stars team in Division 3. The side this week was led by 17 year old Kaviyan Elan who, unsurprisingly, led with maturity and composure in pretty trying circumstances against an extremely strong opposition.
The Wanderers batted first and faced a very good bowling attack that put early pressure on the batting line-up. Opener Thinus Steyn (10) was looking good until he was unfortunate to be run out while backing up after a deflection from the bowler. That brought Ethan Dsouza to the crease and he played a typically assured knock of 24 before losing his wicket in the pursuit of quick runs. Wicket keeper Scott Doody showed intent in a nice cameo of 18 , much like Qais Nawaz (10) and Ivaashan Nair (15) but it was a devastating counter attack from debutant Mohamed Izrath that meant his side posted a competitive 149-7. The diminutive right hander from Sri Lanka showed size was no barrier as he blazed the ball to all parts of the Malek Oval. He was finally out for 53 from just 28 balls. His innings included four boundaries and four big sixes.
In the shape of captain Elan, the Wanderers started well and took an early wicket. Elan's figures of 1-18 with his off spin in the power play were particularly impressive.
Avinash Karia, playing his second game of the day, took the second wicket of the innings but from that point on the day belonged to Anoop Nair who smashed an unbeaten 60 from just 20 balls to power the All Stars to victory.
The 2ndXI don't play until Tuesday evening when they take on Alif Pharma under the lighst at the Sevens Stadium, 8pm start.
Captain Kaviyan Elan led from the front with the ball taking 1-18 (5) for the 2ndXI.
Record breaking duo Clint Berkenshaw and Jack Luffman.
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