CRICKET: NORTON Lindsey caused upset in their latest Cotswold Hill Premier Division fixture against previously unbeaten Leek Wootton.
In doing so, Norton Lindsey took over as clear leaders of the Premier Division – though elsewhere there wasn’t such positive news from the second team who lost to Ebrington.
First team skipper James Pyatt called right at the Memorial Ground and elected to bat first.
His decision was backed by a solid 113-run opening wicket stand between Martin Perfect (60) and Steve Rushton, scored off only 19 overs.
Rushton was in imperious form and hammered 16 4s before he was caught behind for 78.
Richard Pozzi (45*) linked well with Richard Blythe (17) to keep the pace up through the middle order.
After the departure of Blythe, and a brief visit by Rory Baker (2), Pyatt (34*) joined Pozzi for the final seven overs, putting on a splendid 71 runs to set a challenging target of 260.
In reply, Wootton were never in the hunt.
Batting at three, Murphy stuck around for 30 overs for his 83 – but could not find a reliable partner to put together any sort of challenge to the Norton score.
When he was the ninth wicket to fall on 150, the game was as good as over.
The star with the ball was undoubtedly Andy Dewar, whose seven overs resulted in six wickets for just 29 runs.
Norton now have a three point lead at the top of the table, and must be confident of a further points haul when they entertain basement side Tanworth & Camp Hill in their next league fixture.
2ND XI
The second team welcomed lowly Ebrington to Wolverton Road.
Norton Lindsey won the toss and put Ebrington into the field.
Norton Lindsey soon found themselves at 53/5 in the 23rd over as only Conor Green offered some hope for Ebrington with a hard fought 28.
This brought youngster Andrew Dellow out to join seasoned campaigner Stuart Prout-Richardson (25) to try and rescue something from the game.
Over the next ten overs, they applied themselves resolutely and put on 90 runs, to which Richardson contributed five.
Dellow played his most mature innings of the season, displaying intelligent shot selection in his 66, which included five 6s.
Poised for the final push, Dellow was unluckily run out backing-up at the non-striker’s end, when the bowler deflected the ball onto the stumps.
Ian Baber (26) then joined Richardson, and they managed to take the score onto 184 at the break, giving the home side something to bowl at.
Ebrington suffered a slow start as well, reaching only 80 in the 26th over with four wickets down.
Tight bowling from Steve Bliwert and Green went unrewarded with the ball passing the edge on many occasions.
Court (43) then took hold of the game – and with Bastow (29) he accelerated the rate to bring his team right back into the match.
Norton wobbled under the pressure, dropping three straightforward catches, and by the time Court was run out with the score on 165, the job was almost done.
The lower order batsmen then swung the bat and managed to hit the winning runs in the 44th over.
Despite the loss, they remain second in the table, and hope to bounce back when they visit the leaders Dorridge and Hockley Heath in their next game.
Elsewhere Norton Lindsey & Wolverton CC are seeking sponsors at all levels to help share their success with.
Those interested in supporting the club are asked to call Martin Neale on 07770 831351 for further information.
