DESPITE posting their highest score of the season, Royston slipped to defeat at the hands of Wilbrahams. Wilbrahams made light work of Royston s inexperienced attack, who struggled to find a consistent line in blustery conditions. Openers Plumb (31) and T

DESPITE posting their highest score of the season, Royston slipped to defeat at the hands of Wilbrahams.

Wilbrahams made light work of Royston's inexperienced attack, who struggled to find a consistent line in blustery conditions. Openers Plumb (31) and Tippen (39) both scored regularly, before Brown came to the crease to smash 51 from just 31 deliveries.

Chris Hootton was the pick of the Royston bowlers, conceding an economical four runs per over, but a series of loose deliveries meant the team conceded 48 extras as Wilbrahams notched 315 for5, with 100 off the final ten overs.

Royston lost Matt Graham in the sixth when the batsmen got an inside edge onto the stumps, but Paul Miller and Ken Graham then posted a 50 run partnership.

Chris Milton joined Graham at the crease and the duo kept pace with the required rate, finding gaps in the field, and Milton launched one enormous six over the pavilion.

The partnership was worth 96 when Milton was run out for 69.

Graham went on to make 139 not out, with nineteen fours and two sixes.

But in spite of his efforts, Royston fell short on 259 for 3, and remain fourth in the table. They hope to have several experienced bowlers back for this week's visit to Cottenham.

HAVING to battle the weather and opponents Hatfield, Reed came out on top with a four-wicket win on Sunday.

Hatfield's opening pair of B Golder (47) and Shah (14) got them off to a flying start with 32 runs coming from the opening three overs.

However, Lee Johnson's (6-1-21-1) pace proved too much for Shah, as he edged behind to Willoughby.

Rupert Martin (8-3-22-2) then took two wickets in two balls to remove Waterman (1) and Wynne for a first ball duck. Joe Curk also bowled well, and took the wicket of Whitehead (8). However, some good batting by R Golder (35) allowed Hatfield off of the hook.

And it was left to Reed's spin twins Jason Pallett and Will Dobson to remove the remaining Hatfield batsmen, with Dobson (6-1-20-1) removing the dangerous B Golder to a stunning catch by keeper Robert Willoughby.

Jason Pallett then ripped into the middle order by bowling T Jakes, and having R Golder caught by Smith.

Marcus Martin then took a good catch in the deep to remove A Jakes, before Matt Bowles claimed a superb diving catch to give Pallett his fourth wicket.

Pallett then completed his first five- wicket haul by wrapping up the Hatfield innings for 146.

Reed's opening batsmen Ed Blisset (10) and Will Dobson (9) struggled to make much of an impression as A Jakes and Wynne took a wicket apiece to leave then on 34 for 2.

However, Stuart Smith and Phil Frenay rebuilt the Reed innings with a commanding 70 run partnership, with both batsmen playing some delightful shots - Smith (50) in particular good form.

Frenay was run out for 30, before Smith then fell lbw as Reed stuttered to 109 for 4.

Joe Curk (6) was then caught behind before Matt Bowles (19 not out), Lee Johnson (13) and Robert Willoughby were able to steer Reed home.