Royston give leaders a run for their money

FAILING to build on last week's win, Royston slipped to a narrow defeat at Cambs Senior Division One leaders Balsham.

Back-to-back victories looked on the cards for The Crows, but the hosts got home with four overs remaining.

Having lost the toss and been put into bat, Royston lost opener Matt Graham in the first over, caught and bowled.

Martyn Leek was then out lbw, before Ken Graham and Paul Miller looked to restore some stability by accelerating the score to 51.

But the introduction of spin spelled the end for Miller, as he was bowled for 18 by the dangerous Barnes (12-3-17-3) while playing an extravagant shot.

Balsham applied more pressure and the Royston middle order began to crumble.

It needed a fine partnership from Ken Graham (73) and Jon Bason (23) to take the score to a more competitive 136.

Royston responded with a disciplined bowling attack supported superbly by the fielders.

Gard set about attacking the Crows' bowling early on with some lusty blows.

But that proved his downfall when he was bowled by Chris Hootton for 28.

An outstanding low catch from Chris Milton off Ashley Coveney's bowling dismissed Saunders for 9, as Royston put on the pressure.

Balsham were restricted to 2 per over for the next 15 overs, and lost three wickets in the process, as Coveney picked up his second to give Royston the advantage.

Royston skipper Matt Gillham caught Barnes for 23 from Alan Hootton's bowling, and a stretching second catch saw him dismiss his Balsham counterpart.

But the Crows' luck soon began to dwindle as a couple of lbw shouts went unrewarded, with the home batsmen starting to find gaps in the Royston field.

And despite a fine fielding display from the visitors, Balsham got home thanks to a patient contribution from Borcoski with only four overs to go.

While Royston were left rueing a total that was 20 runs too short, they can take solace from pushing the league leaders all the way in a tight encounter.