Finally, joy in Royston’s cup crusade

THERE was at last some good news for Royston s cricketers as they reached the Keatley Cup final. A mixed first and second team overcame a combined Guilden/Steeple Morden side on Tuesday. Royston made a good start, with Mat Graham hitting the first two ba

THERE was at last some good news for Royston's cricketers as they reached the Keatley Cup final.

A mixed first and second team overcame a combined Guilden/Steeple Morden side on Tuesday.

Royston made a good start, with Mat Graham hitting the first two balls of the game for fours. Paul Miller was also in attacking mood and the pair put on 48 before the first wicket fell in the fifth over. Martin Leek was run out soon after for a duck and when Miller fell for 24, Royston were 55-3.

An unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 56 between Richard Temple (16) and Adam Newman (36 not out) ensured Royston posted a challenging total of 148 off their 16 overs.

The Mordens made a good start and at the halfway point had reached 65-0, with Royston's David Sladen and Chris Hootton bowling well.

The next four overs, bowled by Temple and Newman, proved crucial as three wickets fell for 27 runs.

Once Ingrey fell for 36, it proved too much for the Mordens as they finished on 132-6, with Temple and Newman both finishing with 3-30.

n Royston will face Reed in the final at Therfield on Tuesday.