Two fine performances from teenager Sam Hodgetts and Jon Harper saved ultimate embarrassment for Royston 2nds as they eased past Newton in their latest Mr Cricket CCA Junior League 5 South contest on Saturday.

By 1.45pm, with Royston clinging on at 3-3, it looked likely they would be back home for an early tea.

That was until 14-year-old Hodgetts joined the fray.

His 79, including seven sixes helped Royston recover from the abyss of 11-7 to notch 105 all out.

Having somehow snatched a three-figure total, Royston set about dismantling the Newton batting order.

Jon Harper was quick to set upon the task, bowling opener Tom Lewis for four, the first of his six wickets, for superb figures of 6-18.

In the end, it constituted a remarkable comeback for the 2nds.

Only moments into the encounter, five quick, early wickets left the score was amazingly at 3-5.

However, the recovery only began as No.5 Hodgetts smashed a six into the distance to resurrect Royston’s ailing chances.

Another two wickets, following some lacklustre defence, for the creation of just two runs left Royston at 11-7 before Jon Harper (22) joined Hodgetts.

The partnership of 93 proved decisive, despite Royston only adding one more run for their final two wickets.

Sensing a victory was possible, captain Bonham Harper turned to the reliable Evan Goldman and Jon Harper to open the bowling.

The opening batting pair were quickly back in the pavilion for 14 runs.

Santosh Karuppaiah, hitting two quick fours, looked like he might be able to keep Newton in the match, but he was soon caught by Justin Leavers, yet again off the bowling of Jon Harper.

Bonham and Mark Harper then mopped up the tail to dismiss the visitors for 56 and complete an unlikely win.