Royston keep up pressure on table-topping Thriplow

ROYSTON ran out easy winners on Saturday against a vastly under-strength Steeple Mordan side to keep the pressure on Thriplow at the top of the table.

Steeple, who were unfortunately only able to field 10 men, won the toss and decided that fielding would be the best option for their team to try and gain valuable bonus points. It was a decision that suited Royston’s captain Paul Harris and the rest of his team with soaring temperatures.

Mick Miller (45) and 14-year-old Paul Leary (33) opened the batting and started in a positive manner, sending a number of deliveries crashing to the boundary. Both players looked set to post a big score but fell in quick succession to fine catches off of the bowling of P Jarmen (10-2-30-2) who, despite the conditions and clearly positive batting from the Royston openers, bowled a terrific 10-over spell.

However, the two wickets bought Bonham Harper and Paul Miller to the crease. Both batsmen continued to play positively and put on 50 runs for the third wicket as Royston passed 100. Harper, though, was soon dismissed by G Jarmen (10-1-52-1) after looking to go over the top of the infield. This bought Sam Montigue-Fuller to the crease who, along with Miller, piled into the Steeple bowling.

Miller soon passed his 50 and looked likely to reach his first century in four years but was dismissed by a great catch in the deep off of Beeching’s bowling. Montigue-Fuller continued the onslaught as Royston passed 200.

Rory Harper added quick runs but provided Beeching with his second wicket in the final overs. Montigue-fuller finished with a flourish and reached 48* as Royston posted a formidable 242-5.

In reply, Steeple never really got to grips with the pace and swing of Chris Hooton (6-0-27-3) and the fantastic control of line and length by 16-year-old Toby Fynn (6-2-7-3) as they ripped through the Steeple top order.

Only A Wilson (11) provided any real resistance but he was also bowled by Fynn. With Steeple’s captain unable to bat, Royston only required eight wickets and despite a quick-fire 18* from D Thomas which included two huge 6s, John Harper finished off the innings with two wickets from his first five balls as steeple limped to 62-8, and the end of their innings.

Royston will continue to push for promotion as they welcome Steeple to Therfield this weekend in the corresponding fixture.