HARVEER Gandam has backed Burnham Cricket Club to be a force in the Home Counties Premier League despite seeing victory over Henley slip away from them.

Burnham suffered a 53-run defeat at Taplow Common Road on Saturday, a result which left Gandam “bitterly disappointed”.

The Burnham skipper believes Henley were let off having been bowled out for 208, and admits his side needed to do more in support of their star batsman Aftab Khan (75).

The home team were skittled for 155 in response, but Gandam argues Burnham are learning with every game and growing in mental strength.

“Henley are a good side, you know that because they are always challenging for the title, but I definitely felt it was a game we would have won with a better batting performance,” he told the Observer.

“To be honest I am bitterly disappointed because it felt like a game that we were going to win and one that got away from us.

“We were not out-played by a good side and really in control for most of the game until we had the bat in hand.

“If you said at the start would I be happy to chase 208 against Henley at home and on a good wicket, I would have taken it every day of the week.

“The seam bowlers are a really good bunch that back each other to really take the game to the opposition.

“We sat off a little when a couple of decisions didn’t go our way, but I was confident we would still be able to win, and that is what I want the team to play like.

“If I’m being really critical we gave them 30 runs too many. Chasing 170 would be mentally easier, but at the same time 200 was a good score to chase against any bowling attack on a good wicket.

“We got Henley where we wanted them but there has got to be no let off. We just didn’t execute our batting plan.”

Gandam continued: “The problem that I have with this side is there is brilliance and then there is rubbish at times. There is no in-between, which is what we need.

“We had that X factor with one of our better batsman getting in and scoring runs, but we had to support him by batting time. We’re not at the same level as Aftab when he is at his best but we have to support him.

“There haven’t been many times when he has gone into bat in an easy situation and be free. Most of the time he has to adapt to a situation and I’m glad he is doing it this year. I’ve seen that hunger in him s eye.”

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Aftab Khan (batting) made 75 but lacked support at the other end in the defeat to Henley on Saturday.

The Burnham skipper added: “To be honest, this is a really quality side and we will be a real force when we get to the right level mentally.

“We are one of the younger sides in the league and not at the level of the top sides, not in terms of ability but mental strength, which you only get by being there and doing it.

“It is about me backing the boys to play the way I know we can, and sometimes you learn more from a defeat than a win, but the key is you are learning

“I know the boys are hurting and are frustrated, but I back them to give a positive response, weather permitting, this Saturday.”

Burnham host Banbury tomorrow with the visitors setting the early pace at the top of the table with two 20-point wins.

“There are no easy fixtures in this league,” said Gandam. “They are a top side and we will need everyone to play at their best.

“We want to change our focus from looking ahead to the result, but actually to the process and being the best team we can be because we definitely have the talent to give every side a good run for their money.”