Royston 221-5 Bassingbourn 187-5 Royston won by 34 runs

ROYSTON won by 34 runs in a thrilling encounter against local rivals Bassingbourn on Saturday.

Losing the toss, Royston were asked to bat first, and an unfortunate run-out meant Mick Miller was dismissed for only six, but Martin Leary and Dave Isherwood (22) steadied the ship and looked comfortable. The run rate was steady as Royston looked to set a platform to accelerate from as Bassingbourn had scored an impressive 327 in their last game so Royston knew a large total would be required.

Dave Isherwood’s departure bought in Paul Miller who quickly settled into his attacking stride and added a quick-fire 38 which included some huge sixes but was run out, though, as he threatened to put the tiring away team’s bowling attack to the sword.

Ashley Judge came and went quickly but Leary continued to pile on the runs and passed his half century. Paul Harris then added 18 along with Leary who pushed the score passed 200.

With two overs remaining, Harris was dismissed trying to find the boundary leaving Leary to continue to smash the ball at ease, ending the innings on 95* and 221-5 in total.

Bassingbourn started their innings slowly, due to the tight bowling of Chris Hooton and Toby Fynn, however no breakthrough was forced. Bassingbourn fell further behind the run rate but still kept wickets in hand. John Harper (6-0-42-2) was then introduced and made a double breakthrough picking up opener Andrews for 41.

With the Bassingbourn’s batsmen now starting to try and attack Royston’s bowling, Harris (10-4-25-0) produced a very tight spell in which his first three overs were maidens. Bonham Harper then added to the wickets column with a fine four-over spell for only 24. With the game seemingly out of their reach, J Hughes then decided to up the intensity of the run chase, adding 52 from only 18 balls. With run rate at 10 per over, Hughes continued to push Bassingbourne closer to victory until Leary (2-0-19-1) bowled him at a vital time. And with just four overs remaining and 40 required, Bassingbourn eventually finished on 187-5.