FIVE wickets apiece from Chris Hootton and Naveed Ahmad bulldozed Cottenham as Royston claimed their fifth win of the season. The Crows had gone two games without a win, but were in fine form with the ball to secure 20 points against second-from-bottom

FIVE wickets apiece from Chris Hootton and Naveed Ahmad bulldozed Cottenham as Royston claimed their fifth win of the season.

The Crows had gone two games without a win, but were in fine form with the ball to secure 20 points against second-from-bottom Cottenham.

And they got off to a slow start as Matt Graham fell to an outstanding diving catch for 6.

His replacement Paul Miller lasted only three balls before he was caught.

Then, having patiently seen off the opening bowlers, Ken Graham fell for 25.

Naveed was defiant as the Royston tail attempted to add some important late runs, but they were all out in the last over for a paltry 105.

However, Royston needed only two bowlers to see off the home side. Hootton (10-4-24-5) was extracting vicious bounce and seam from the pitch, while Naveed 9.2-3-19-5) tied up the batsmen with his shape and accuracy.

The first wicket fell to Naveed in the eighth over as Bird was caught spectacularly by a diving outstretched Ken Graham for 4, and wickets then fell in the next seven overs with Cottenham losing four without scoring.

Hootton was next to strike as an aggressive rib height ball was gloved behind to John Bason, and his wicket maiden was followed by another from Naveed in which Matt Graham made an excellent diving catch to send dangerman Talaga back to the pavilion for a duck.

Two batsmen fell in the next over, as Hootton cranked up the pace.

Cottenham were eight down after 14 overs, when Matt Graham took his second catch.

Evans provided the only obstacle in the tail as his colleagues fell around him as Hootton achieved his five-for, bowling Latson.

Naveed wrapped up proceedings in the next over, claiming his fifth wicket as Cottenham were bowled out after 20 blistering overs for only 45.

Player coach Richard Temple said: "It was a very pleasing win, especially as we were defending such a low total.

"Our batting never really got going, and the only way we were going to win was to take early wickets.

"We've given ourselves an outside chance of promotion, but realistically we need to win five of our seven remaining games. A couple of defeats and I think we can forget about it for this season.

"I was particularly pleased with Naveed, who made his first appearance for the first team after a number of good displays for the second team.

"We've still got a few players to come back so I'm expecting a few selection headaches.