Newport mauled by a former Bear

Tahir finished with 8-29 as the visitors were skittled out for just 65 in their Birmingham League Division Three clash.

Zahid Kafiat (2-32) picked up the other wickets as the opening bowlers saw off Newport in less than 21 overs.

Only former skipper Mark Downes (25) and Ed Fowler (24) reached double figures for Newport.

Captain Jamie Prew believed losing the toss and being asked to bat first was pivotal, but also paid tribute to the quality of Tahir, who made his First Class debut for Warwickshire in 2004 and spent seven years at with the Bears at Edgbaston.

“To be fair, they had two really good opening bowlers on a seamer-friendly wicket,” he said.

“They had the conditions in their favour but they exploited them well.

“We’ve played against ex-pros and people who have been in county cricket before, but Naqaash Tahir is probably the best bowler I’ve faced. I don’t think he’ll be playing regional league cricket next season!

“I think that’s only the second toss I’ve lost and we would have bowled first as well because it was a very green wicket considering the weather we’ve had over the last couple of months.”

Newport did manage to take three wickets before Old Hill reached their target, Devroy Bentick impressing with 3-5 off two overs.

“It was never going to be enough runs but we were spirited in the way we bowled and fielded,” added Prew. “We had won three in a row before that and the team spirit is really good. We are all good friends as well as team-mates, which helps.”

Bottom club Whitchurch suffered another tough afternoon as they were beaten by Lichfield by six wickets.

Alex Huxley top scored with 46 as Whitchurch opted to bat first. But he received little support as the visitors were dismissed for 126, Thomas Stone doing most of the damage with 5-19.

An opening partnership of 56 set the home side on their way to the victory target, which they reached for the loss of just four wickets inside 21 overs.