Royston II (188-9) beat Saffron Walden (139-7) by 49 runs Royston II continued to push for promotion with a convincing win over Saffron Walden on Saturday. Despite heavy rain and a soft looking pitch Royston s captain Paul Harris won the toss and elected

Royston II (188-9) beat Saffron Walden (139-7) by 49 runs

Royston II continued to push for promotion with a convincing win over Saffron Walden on Saturday.

Despite heavy rain and a soft looking pitch Royston's captain Paul Harris won the toss and elected to bat.

The opening pair of Mick Miller and Paul Leary put on 75 for the first wicket with Miller in particular looking in fine form.

Leary then picked out the only fielder in the deep for a well made 18 off the bowling of Hill.

With a solid base to build on Harris promoted himself and started to accelerate the scoring.

Harris's entertaining innings came to an end when he was bowled off a ball that kept low, however Miller and Jonny Crook continued to keep the scoring at a good rate.

Miller eventually fell to a fine catch for an excellent 87 and had set the foundations for a big score.

Crook, however, was then rather harshly adjudged lbw and Royston's inning stalled as Webster (9-0-40-5) produced a fine bowling spell.

Bonham Harper showed once again that he is developing into a fine all rounder though and, with the help of Mark Harper, pushed the score to 188-9 with a late flourish.

With a large total on the board, Saffron Walden started aggressively and, with the pitch still not showing any assistance for the bowlers, Harris (7-2-19-2) and M Harper (7-0-33-0) struggled to create any real chances.

The introduction of Dave Isherwood (10-1-28-1) and Jon Harper (8.1-2-25-2) had an instant impact with Harper removing the dangerous Webster (28) with his first ball thanks to a fine catch by Isherwood.

With the run rate climbing Ishwerwood and Harper showed extreme control, bowling a tight line and length and Walden started to struggle.

With 10 overs remaining Walden required nine an over and the game was effectively ended when Harris was re-introduced taking two wickets in three balls.

With the run rate climbing every over, Max Maclean enjoyed a great spell with the ball as his four overs at the death went for just nine runs.

Bonham Harper also gained valuable experience bowling a tight three-over spell as Walden ended on 139-7.

Royston are at home this weekend in a important game against Elmdon, who currently lie one place above Royston in fourth in a very tight league.