Great Melton (24) beat St. Andrews (3) by 9 Wickets in Norfolk League Division 2.

An unbroken partnership of 84 between veteran Steve Clarke (44no) and bowler turned batsman Daniel Hayward (25no) proved decisive in this battle of the lower teams in the division. Mixing watchful defence and positive intent an what was a difficult surface giving variable and sometimes steep bounce, the pair dominated the St Andrews attack and eventually ran out comfortable winners with some 11 overs to spare. This was ultimately made possible by an explosive start from Rob Smith (27) playing some lovely drives over and through the field in what was his first innings in over 12 months.

All this after Melton had “inserted” the opposition on a hard dry surface with what proved to be a lightning fast outfield. Opening bowlers Stuart Wilson (2 for 28) and Zeph Istiaq (1 for 24) bowled with good control to restrict St Andrews to 54 for 3 off the first 15 overs but it was the introduction of normal C Team Skipper Simon Carding (4 for 14), ably supported by Finn Hughes (2 for 25) that was to change the course of the match. From a good position of 82 for 4 St Andrews crumbled to 122 all out and the innings ended with a very comical and  “slow motion” run out of Hapley (easily the oldest player on the field!)

This was a very creditable performance by a team including a large number of “C” team regulars and whilst not making up for the disappointment of having to forfeit the “C” team fixture, it at least gives assistance to the “B” teams quest to remain in the division. Lets hope the availability of players for the remaining games is better and provides the opportunity for a strong finish to a difficult seaso

Steve C