SEARCHING for a fourth straight victory, Royston s winning run came to an end with a narrow defeat at Yelling. Playing on a small field, Royston had hoped to let the home side bat first and get a feel of the pitch. However, Yelling won the toss and put

SEARCHING for a fourth straight victory, Royston's winning run came to an end with a narrow defeat at Yelling.

Playing on a small field, Royston had hoped to let the home side bat first and get a feel of the pitch. However, Yelling won the toss and put the visitors in.

The travelling Crows began in brisk fashion in the baking sun with Ken Graham hitting a six in the second over and capitalising on the short boundaries.

However, Royston lost opener Matt Graham for just four when he nicked one through to the keeper and his replacement lasted only one over as Stack (12-0-55-4) bowled Chris Milton for a duck.

Ken Graham was the next to go, caught from Walker for 19, with the introduction of Paul Miller bringing about a consolidation and again the form man did not disappoint.

Miller rode his luck at times, taking several overs to find his feet, and he was dropped several times. But his contribution was vital and his boundaries led to another 50.

Martin Leary added 15 before he was lured out of his crease and stumped from the spin of Johnson, while Martyn Leek looked in good nick and worked a series of boundaries making 26 and looking well set before he was bowled by Johnson.

Miller kept the score ticking over, but tired in the heat, and was bowled for a well made 53 by Johnson.

Royston sustained their batting attack down the order, with three solid partnerships in the middle order of 38, 41 and 35. John Bason notched up a helpful 22 and the ever developing Ashley Judge posted 16 with an obligatory 6.

The highlight of the Yelling attack was Tack who took four and Chris Hootton's last over runs which saw Royston to a total of 180 for 9 from the allotted 45 overs.

In reply the hosts reached 181 for 4 from 41.3 overs, with Clarke (44) and Johnson (54) inflicting most of the damage.

Royston player coach, Richard Temple said: "To lose was a pity, especially after such a good run of late, although we were missing a few of our bowlers.

"We dropped a few catches, and didn't bowl that well and our batting was a bit patchy. However, at least Paul (Miller) continued his good run of form and the lower order batsmen contributed some useful runs to get us up to a reasonable total."

As a result fifth placed Yelling closed the gap on Royston, who stay fourth in Cambs Senior Division 2. The Crows will be looking to bounce back this Saturday with a trip to second placed Wilbrahams.