BASSINGBOURN ran out convincing winners against Steeple Morden on Saturday with a five-wicket victory.

Captain Ben Allen and his side bowled first and things couldn’t have started better as both Steeple openers were quickly sent back to the pavilion thanks to Luc Pascal (10-3-21-2) and Nathan Wilkins (6-0-21-1) who both bowled good opening spells. Change bowlers Tom Andrews (2-28) and Allen carried on the good work as wickets fell regularly.

As was the case a fortnight ago when these sides met, Steeple’s Duncan Warner batted well as wickets fell around him. Warner was eventually bowled by Allen for 49 and it was left to Allen to claim his first five-wicket haul as Steeple were dismissed for 120 with Allen taking 5-36.

In reply, Bassingbourn started well with Neil Smith hitting a huge six but he was adjudged lbw to J Sandford for 13.

Connor Beeching took 2-16 as Steeple made early inroads. James Hughes was promoted to number three and looked to win the game quickly before he was bowled by Ryan Headington (2-29) for 33. Allen carried on where Hughes left off before unluckily being run out for 25. It was left to James Robinson to see Bassingbourn home with 18* as the total was reached in the 22nd over.