BURNHAM CC skipper Harveer Gandam has blamed himself for the five-wicket defeat to cash-rich Henley on Saturday.

Gandam starred with the bat as his half-century helped the hosts to a total of 170 in the face of a strong bowling attack.

However, he chose not to bowl himself and Henley, who included seven Berkshire stars, powered their way to victory.

Gandam says he is disappointed with his side’s overall performance but feels he could have contributed more himself.

Speaking to the Observer, he bemoaned: “If you get out-played you don’t mind. You’re not fused if you can say you gave your all.

“But we weren’t really at the races. It was very disappointing and we’re capable of better.

“The wicket was a road, one of the best we’ve produced at Burnham for a while. It was as flat as a pancake, but batsman got out at the wrong time.

“Playing against any team in this league is tough, they’ve all got players who can change the game. But we don’t get many flat pancakes and should’ve been looking to cash in.

“We lost five wickets while I was at the crease, 250 was the target so 170 was never going to be enough out there.

“No-one can say they were done by the bowler and that’s the disappointing thing.” He added: “We got an early wicket, but then Henley built up a partnership and weren’t giving anything away.

“I thought we had a draw in the bag, Tauseef Kazmi bowled really well, but it’s a shame he lacked a bit of support as we bowled a couple of bad overs.” Commenting on his own performance, Gandam said: “To be honest, I feel like I’ve let the team down.

“It was a silly shot to get out to five minutes before lunch but we still lacked contributions.

“It was a huge blow and I hold my hands up. I’m still dumb enough to live and learn from it.

“And I probably should’ve bowled myself, that might have made all the difference.” The defeat sees Burnham lose their grip on top spot in Home Counties Division One at the seasons’ half-way stage.

However, Gandam is confident in his team’s ability and has challenged them to bounce back at home to Tring Park tomorrow (Saturday, 11am start).

He enthused: “People always talk around the club and after nine games they would’ve taken this. But you should always keep your standards up and look to push on.

“I didn’t take over to finish mid-table or fight relegation. I want to push for the title and hopefully I’ll get a reaction from the players.

“I always want to win. If you win every game you win the league. It would be a shame to lose a good start and finish in mid-table.

“I don’t feel we should lose to any side and could be up there with three of four games to go, when it tests your metal.

“It’s something we will talk a lot about in training.” **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out every Friday, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter at @Observer_sports**