A CENTURY on debut from Conrad Louth was the highlight as Slough got their new season under way with a 63-run win against Horspath on Saturday.

The visitors to Upton Court Road won the toss and invited Slough to bat first, with the home team reaching 243-6 from their allotted 50 overs.

Louth top-scored with 106 and shared a 100-run partnership with opener Fahim Qureshi (48), before overseas star Shahid Yousaf made 41 runs from 38 balls.

Tom Cosford was the pick of the Horspath bowlers with his figures of 2-37 with Daryll Brown (2-45) also snaring a brace of wickets.

The away side managed just 180-9 from 50 overs in response with Mark Skelton (37), James Fitzjohn (28) and James Phillips (23) the leading run scorers.

The wickets were shared amongst the Slough bowlers with Yousaf (2-13) and Ali Raja (2-30) the pick of the seven used.

Slough captain Sher told the Observer: “It was great to get on the field for a start and to get that first win under our belts, which was brilliant.

“The wicket was in good condition when you consider the amount of rain we’ve had, although it was difficult to bat on.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Slough overseas star Shahid Yousuf made 41 runs with the bat and then took 2-13 with the ball.

“Conrad hitting a century was the highlight of the day by far. To come into a new club and score 100 on debut in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League is terrific.

“It was a good performance but what has impressed me more is how well he has integrated into the club, how he has handled himself and fit into the team. Conrad has been very helpful on and off the pitch already.”

He continued: “We made a decent start with Fahim and Mohammed Avas (13) at the top of the order until Mo got a little but careless and three his wicket away.

“Conrad played great and then Shahid came in and upped the anti a little bit.

“We were looking for 250-260 runs but I was very happy with 243. We thought we could win if we bowled well.”

Sher, now in his 17th season as first team captain, added: “Ikhlaq Nawaz (1-29) and Mohammad Haroon (1-34) bowled well to start with and the rest chipped in - Shahid was very economical.

“We’ve brought Mohamad in from Burnham because his statistics and performances in this league speak for themselves. It’s fantastic to get that type of bowler alongside Ikhlaq after all these years.

“We looked a little but rusty with our bowling and fielding, but it was still good for our first game and without any pre-season friendlies. It gives us something to build on.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Fahid Qureshi made 48 runs at Upton Court Park on Saturday.

“We played better cricket than Horspath on the day and deserved to win. That shows in the result and the scorecard.”

Sher added: "Our aims and ambitions this season come in two steps. The first is to avoid relegation because it was tough all-round for us last season.

"It does not matter how good you are as a team on paper, if you don't turn up when you step over the line then anything can happen.

"Our second aim is to hopefully finish in the top four.

"I'm trying the best I can to stay fit and the boys all want me to play. I feel and have been told that I'm good enough to be in the team, so hopefully I can get some performances under my belt and roll back the clock.

"It's very difficult to do that but I hope to use my experience as captain and play my part by chipping in with runs and wickets when needed."

Check out the Observer sports Facebook page. Search: Robert Observer Sport and like, follow and share today.