Royston (102 all out) lost to Linton Village (108-3) by seven wickets An insipid display from 10-man Royston saw them slip further into trouble at Linton on Saturday. Losing the toss on a damp and sticky wicket, the Crows lost Matt Graham for 0 in the sec

Royston (102 all out) lost to Linton Village (108-3) by seven wickets

An insipid display from 10-man Royston saw them slip further into trouble at Linton on Saturday.

Losing the toss on a damp and sticky wicket, the Crows lost Matt Graham for 0 in the second over chopping a wide ball onto his stumps. Martin Leary pushed well for several overs before he snicked a cut shot to the wicket-keeper for 16.

Jamie Warren featured briefly, striking one boundary before an attempted heave across the line saw him bowled for four.

John Bason and Paul Miller poked and prodded for 11 overs, struggling to progress the score on a tacky track with two spinners before Miller was run-out for 13 calling a risky two.

Ravi Singh and Bason then found some rhythm and put on a partnership of 49 to take Royston to 83 before the next wicket fell.

Only Singh showed any perseverance to push the singles and keep the score ticking over, but he was caught in the deep for 26 after attacking young spin bowler Philips got him.

The next two batsmen of the lower middle order departed for ducks and Bason and Hootton put on 15 to take Royston to the 100 mark.

Bason departed shortly after, top scoring on 27 and, due to being a man short, the dismissal of Hootton for nine ended the Royston innings on 102 all out.

In reply, Linton started on the front foot, punishing some rusty bowling from a Royston attack that has had a break in games, and finding the gaps in a 10-man fielding side.

Matt Gillham struck in his first over, luring a swipe and catch for Graham, dismissing Pazhani for five.

Hootton replied by forcing Whitemore to chop onto his stumps for a duck and Royston were buoyed.

The introduction of Nayar however turned the game as he proceeded to slog two consecutive Gillham overs for 16 apiece.

Gillham had the last laugh as he tempted Nayar into another big boundary shot and was bowled for 32.

However, the damage was done and opener Savory steered the home side comfortably over the winning post with an unbeaten 56 featuring 13 boundaries in only 18 overs.