Round Seven in the Japan Cricket League included significant moves for several teams, not least the Chiba Sharks, who inflicted a third successive defeat on pre-season favourites MAX CC.

The Sharks win over MAX was their fourth in a row and moved them up to second in the table, with their next match agains tthe hapless Paddy Foleys a further chance to cement their berth in the Semi Finals.

Much of their recent success has been built on a solid opening partnership between Davian Johnson and Dhugal Bedingfield which again produced an opening stand of 69. Although Bedingfield (22) did not go on this time, Johnson (60) registered his maiden half century in Japan while being aided by Arata Ueda who did the same with a well made 55 to carry the Sharks to 199 all out.

Three more wickets for Makoto Taniyama (3/25) was complemented by 3/42 from Bidyut Sarkar, but their much vaunted batting line up failed to fire. Supun Nawarathna made a typically rapid 48 and Taniyama a steady 36*, but that was too little too late as Johnson’s 3/21 completed a fine all round performance and a win by 42 runs.

The Sharks remain second as the Tigers bounced back from their surprise defeat in Round Six by easing passed Sano CC, who themselves are now almost certainly out of the Semi Finals with just a solitary win from seven matches in what has been a feeble title defence.

Dismissed for 142, Abdul Salam the pick of the Tigers bowlers with 3/27, the Tigers eased to the total thanks to yet another half century for Sabaorish Ravichandran whose 66 from 48 balls lead the team to a four wicket win.

Alpha Quashers are looking increasingly likely to make their first appearance in the last four and a comfortable win against Paddy Foleys only served to strengthen their position. Vasanthan Jayakumar led with 66 at the top of the innings, while Nandha Rangasamy (48) and Anees Thyrantakath (49) pushed them up to 271/8.

Kamran Syed made 70 in the chase as Paddy Foleys lasted their full 40 overs for the first time this season, but still came up short. A win by 71 runs for Alpha Quashers earned as five bowlers picked up wickets in a typically fine team performance.

Wombats – Moving Mountains

The Tokyo Wombats kept their outside chances of reaching the last four alive with an easy win against Wyverns, which all but ended last years finalists hopes of going one better. Rinsei Sawada’s 38 was the only score of note as Wombats rolled Wyverns over for just 120 with three wickets apiece for Augustine Jacob and Rony Taluqdar.

Contributions from all the top five meant a win by five wickets for the Wombats, Dean Abbott top scoring with 27.