ROYSTON stumbled to another disappointing defeat as they were hammered by nine wickets at Sawston. For the second time this season they failed to reach 100, leaving team manager Richard Temple in a gloomy mood: It was a pretty demoralising display, espec

ROYSTON stumbled to another disappointing defeat as they were hammered by nine wickets at Sawston.

For the second time this season they failed to reach 100, leaving team manager Richard Temple in a gloomy mood:

"It was a pretty demoralising display, especially not to even pick up a single bonus point" he said.

"Defending a total of 90 was always going to difficult, especially once they got off to a flier in reply. We just don't see to have anyone, apart from Adam (Newman), who is able to occupy the crease for more than 10 or 15 overs and grind out a decent score.

"If we could just get to the last 10 overs with only three or four wickets down then there is always the chance to pick up the pace at the end of the innings. Unfortunately recently we've been limping to mediocre or poor targets and not even using up all 48 overs.

"We were missing two or three regulars so hopefully they will be back next week.

"We're away against Castor on Saturday, a vital game as we need to put some distance between ourselves and the bottom team.

"It is, though, a notoriously bad wicket where we have come unstuck numerous times in the past."

It started well for Royston, though, and the score had reached 31 before opener Rik Bentley was bowled for 10.

Skipper Adam Newman then added a further 30 runs in a second wicket partnership with Will Graham before Graham was caught off leg spinner Petigara for 13.

That sparked the all-too-predictable collapse and from 62-2, Royston lost their last eight wickets for 28 runs in 14 overs with only Newman (43) making any significant contribution with the bat.

Quick wickets were what Royston required in reply if they were to force an upset.

However they did not come and Sawston eased to their target in 18 overs, for the lost of just one wicket.

n A miserable day for Royston was completed when their first team were beaten by 96 runs by visitors NCI II.

Royston won the toss and put NCI into bat hoping the pitch would dry out later on.

NCI opened slowly at first with wickets falling steadily through the innings and at 108-5

The homes had a chance to keep them below 150. However J Baldock (35) and S. Hudson (20) provided some big hitting at the end to take them to 194 for 7.

A Mueller and J Carver finished with two wickets apiece and Clough, Batey and Isherwood taking one each.

Faced with the daunting total Royston lost wickets at regular intervals with only M. Miller (33) and Dave Isherwood (26) providing any resistance.

Royston finished 98 all out with Ward taking four wickets and Pluck and Sahai collecting two apiece.