Enniskillen cricket club hosted Victoria from Lurgan on Saturday last in their latest league match in Northern Cricket Union Section 10.

It was to prove a very satisfying day for the local team as they prevailed in a hard-fought encounter by 22 runs thus securing their first win of the season and in their new union.

With both captain and vice-captain Stephen Maxwell and Chris McVitty unavailable Aby Theckanath assumed the captain's role for the day.

This was a first also as Theckanath became the first Indian player to captain the town team - a very proud moment for him and he began well by winning the toss and deciding to bat on a pleasant afternoon at the Erne Integrated College.

Enniskillen's innings started steadily with openers David Cadden and Bibin Matthew looking at ease and it was a bit of a shock when Cadden departed.

This brought together Matthew and Kenny Maxwell who between them put on a stand of 46 in rapid time.

Both departed quickly however Matthew to a ball that he was unlucky to play onto his stumps and Kenny to a delivery which pitched and turned sharply bowling him.

Skipper Theckanath was then joined by Paul Ramsay and the fireworks continued with another quickfire stand of 42.

Wickets kept falling however and the rest of the batting line-up pushed the score along as Enniskillen were bowled out for 152 on the last ball.

Maxwell top scored with 28, Ramsay and Theckanath made 27 apiece and Matthew 24 with four of the top six making useful contributions.

After tea Victoria went into bat and opening bowlers Matthew and Bibin John bowled steadily initially but after several overs, the Victoria batsmen made their intention clear with some very aggressive strokes and the run rate started to climb quite quickly.

Satheesh Puthenveetil returned to the bowling attack after injury from the start of the season and his guile and presence was a welcome boost.

Theckanath then turned to Kenny Maxwell who bowled his five overs unbroken for only seven runs and also picked up three important wickets including two in two balls.

The run rate for Victoria started to climb appreciably and Bibin Tommy was entrusted with bowling the closing overs along with Satheesh and he did this extremely efficiently only conceding eight runs in his three overs and taking two wickets as well.

The final victory was marked by joyous scenes from all the players who have been disappointed with the fact that they haven't registered a win up to now. 

Next up is a cup match next Saturday in Belfast against Cooke Collegians 4s with the prospect of a second-round clash in Armagh to look forward to if they are victorious. 

Match Summary 

Enniskillen 152
K.Maxwell 28
A.Theckanath 27
P.Ramsay 27
B.Matthew 24

Victoria 130/8
K.Maxwell 3/7
B.Tommy 2/8

Enniskillen won by 22 runs