Omar Khan led the way as Blackheath claimed an assured win against high-flying Orpington in their Forester Division 1 match on Saturday.

He finished up on 63 not out to follow-up from his three wickets earlier in the day and proved the difference between the two sides on a poor track at Goddington Dene.

He was given excellent support from young Mark Calnan, who batted through the innings for a hard-earned 77 not out, as the Orpington attack tried in vain to disrupt the composure of the Leeds University student, returning for his second game of the season.

The victory target of 178 was reached with four overs to spare and only three wickets down to give the Heath 16 points and keep the pressure on the sides above them.

In gloomy conditions, ex-Kent and Sussex batsman Neil Taylor won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first on a pitch that looked over-used and under prepared.

It was to play with inconsistancy especially at one end. He was the only Orpington player to bat with any confidence, reaching his 50 before going out to a great catch from Calnan at mid-wicket.

Wickets fell at regular intervals and despite some missed chances Blackheath kept a good degree of control to dismiss the home side for 177 off the last ball of their allotted 50 overs, with Richard Jerman picking up 4- 45 off 15 overs.

Khan bowled 17 overs of seam and never allowed the batsmen to settle, finishing with 3 for 57.

In reply, Blackheath lost three wickets in reaching 54 and the pressure was on new batsman Khan and opener Calnan.

They responded well however, and started to rebuild Blackheath's innings as the skies overhead grew gradually darker.

In the end it was the threat of rain which threatened to thwart Calnan and Khan but they paced the chase to perfection, Khan hitting the winning runs and taking their superb unbeaten partnership to 125.

June 20, 2001 12:47