Barley 204 all out beat Royston Town 180 by 24 runs ON a blazing day, Royston Town put their oldest and friendliest rivals, Barley, into bat. On a wicket that would have put the average Pakistani groundsman to shame, the opening bowlers made no impact, un

Barley 204 all out beat Royston Town 180 by 24 runs

ON a blazing day, Royston Town put their oldest and friendliest rivals, Barley, into bat.

On a wicket that would have put the average Pakistani groundsman to shame, the opening bowlers made no impact, until newcomer, Blenkins, persuaded Bledell (Jnr) to open his gate just that bit too far, and was clean bowled for 11.

Bledell's father, however, having got the measure of the bowling attack, went on to make an impressive 107, before running out of balls!

On the bowling side, the ever-reliable partnership of Gwynne and Litson gave the opposition a meagre 33 runs in their opening spell, including three maidens, which left Barley looking short with only 96 at the first drinks break.

Things began to improve for the home side, however, with some expensive bowling from Taylor (2-0-25-0), and Blank (3-0-17-0), until Gwynne and Ranoe locked down the scoring rate, and Barley were finally rolled over for an impressive 204.

Cricket teas are a strange thing, and when RTCC finally emerged outside after several slabs of cake, the weather had changed.

The opening strike partnership of Stewart and Symes gave the visitors a miserly 45 runs, but cost them four wickets.

Hopkinson-Hughes then bowled an economical six overs for 25, taking a pair of bails along the way, and the indomitable Eric Davies was always on the button and although he didn't take a wicket he made the batsmen work hard.

Royston began to struggle, however, and after their skipper was run out on 34, things began to look bleak.

Hawkins held his end up admirably, but couldn't quite convert his enthusiasm into runs. He ended up needing six off the last ball to make his maiden century finishing on 95no as Royston fell some way short of the total they required as they ran out of time.

RTCC are hosting their inaugural seven-a-side tournament on August Bank Holiday. All spectators are more than welcome. The action starts at 10.30am.

There will be an all-day BBQ, live music, and the local ukelele orchestra, and please stay to enjoy our race night.

All profits will go to The Hillbrow Orphanage, Norwood, South Africa, who need simple donations like blankets and other necessities.