HORSEHEATH heaped more misery on Royston, beating them by 83 runs. Batting first, the Horseheath openers showed differing styles, and by the time the first wicket fell at 45 in the tenth over, Ketteridge had made just five runs from 31 balls. His openin

HORSEHEATH heaped more misery on Royston, beating them by 83 runs.

Batting first, the Horseheath openers showed differing styles, and by the time the first wicket fell at 45 in the tenth over, Ketteridge had made just five runs from 31 balls.

His opening partner Goldsmith, though, continued to plunder the Royston attack, and when he was dismissed with the score on 71, he had already amassed 56 off just 43 balls.

At 71-2 off 15 overs, Royston needed to put a squeeze on the run rate, and this was done with reasonable success by spinners Matt Graham and Matt Gilham, who between them bowled 24 overs for 96 runs.

The duo then took three further wickets in the process, and prevented the Horseheath batsmen from being able to cut loose.

A well-executed run out and three quick wickets from Richard Temple at the end of the innings saw Horseheath's score restricted somewhat, and they were bowled out for 197.

Unfortunately, Royston's batsmen never quite got going, and always seemed to be chasing the game.

And with only Ken Graham from the top order reaching 20, Royston were struggling at 67-5.

Some late-order hitting from Ben Warren ensured that the hosts reached 100, but their innings soon limped to an end, with Royston all out for 114.

Temple said: "Although it was disappointing, at least we managed to bowl them out and pick up seven bonus points.

"I think we did all right, especially as we had a lot of players missing.

"We limited them to under 200 and our two spinners both bowled well.

"Over the next few weeks I think our batsmen will start to find their feet, and then we will be much better equipped to dominate our games.