Paul Harris praised Royston’s return to winning ways after they executed a comfortable 37-run victory away at Thriplow 2nds in Junior League Division 1 South on Saturday.

The Crows had not won outright since a six-wicket triumph over Madingley almost two months prior, but their eventual first innings total of 153 all out was more than enough.

Mick and Paul Miller both made it to 26 before succumbing to the Thriplow bowling.

That total seemed very profitable early on in the reply innings as the bowling of Phill Hall (8-2-11-2) and Josh Holmes (10-1-35-4) unsettled the visitors, leaving them 16-6 at one point.

A late resurgence got them from 79-9 to 116 all out but Royston knew by then the match was won. Afterwards, Harris was delighted with his side, especially Holmes.

He said: “It was a much needed victory.

“The last few weeks have been a bit stop-start due to rain and opposition defaulting, so it’s been hard work finding any momentum. Josh [Holmes] was influential today and just what we needed in a tight match.”

Having lost the toss and being asked to bat first on a sweltering hot day, the Crows suffered the early loss of openers Paul Leary and Paul Harris, falling to 11-2.

Both Millers and Martin Leary (19) soon followed and at 93-5, Royston were in trouble. However, Rory Harper (13) looked to push the Crows towards a competitive total. New bowler Ollie Richer had other ideas however, picking up both men before dismissing Holmes for a duck.

Some late resistance from Matt Gillham (15) enabled Royston to get deliver a neat 153.

Despite having less runs to defend than they would have liked, the Crows were soon on top.

Having removed two of the Thriplow top three inside the first over, Holmes did not let up and had Thriplow reeling.

Hall then claimed the key wicket of Richer (10), whose pull shot picked out Paul Leary at mid-on.

Thriplow skipper Tom Care (24) provided some resistance as Martin Leary (1-26) picked up the seventh wicket at the other end, however Shetge (1-25) found a way through his defences.

Thriplow’s last pair showed determation to raise their side from 79-9 to 116, however Gillham finally removed Sam Woods to win the points.

This weekend, Reed and Foxton will contest the annual Royston-run Keatley Cup Final will take place next Wednesday at Therfield Recreation Ground from 6.15pm. There will a free barbecue and licensed bar.