Stand-in skipper Martin Leary believes Royston’s toughest Mr Cricket CCA Junior League 1 South game this season is behind them after his side fell to an 159 run mauling by leaders Cambourne, despite the heroics of Connor Little.

With most of the first team bowling attack missing, Little stepped up to the plate, picking up his first senior five wicket haul (5-30) but could not prevent the hosts from piling on 225, including an unbeaten 108 from Brian Farmery.

The Crows would have needed a decent foothold early on to maintain belief of toppling unbeaten Cambourne but they found Paul Darrington in sparkling form.

Darrington cleaned out opening pair Paul Leary (8) and Rory Harper (0) for just eight runs on his way to 7-31.

Only skipper Leary showed any resistance, notching 33. However, Darrington and Muhammed Ali mopped up the tail to end an embarrassing Royston loss.

Following the defeat, Leary said: “Today was one of those days where we were simply outplayed by some outstanding bowling and I’d suggest that they will be the toughest side we play this season.

“We now need to forget about the loss and make sure we rebound strongly in the next few games, boosted by the return of several players who were missing.

“Credit also to Little who bowled really well.”

Cambourne made a quick start with the bat, as openers Farmery and Khan took the score past 50 in quick time before Leary (10-2-44-1) made the important breakthrough, Khan (28) driving to Sam Montague-Fuller at cover. Farmery continued to pick up runs however, bringing Cambourne to three figures inside the first 20 overs.

Meanwhile, the first of Little’s five straight wickets came at the expense of Santosh Kumar Singh for 1. James Turner was his final victim as the home side saw out their 40 overs with one wicket left intact.

In reply, Royston never got going.

No sooner had Paul Leary and Harper departed, Montague-Fuller (4) was next to go via the quick hands of Ali.

Paul Miller kicked on for 12 before he went and Martin Leary’s 33 only delayed the inevitable as four of Royston’s five batters went for ducks.

The Crows will hope for better fortunes at home to Haslingfield this Saturday.