ROYSTON S survival hopes in the Tucker Gardener League Division Two were given a major boost as they edged home by a wicket. NCI won the toss and elected to bat first on a damp track. However, this proved to be a mistake as Royston s opening bowlers rippe

ROYSTON'S survival hopes in the Tucker Gardener League Division Two were given a major boost as they edged home by a wicket.

NCI won the toss and elected to bat first on a damp track. However, this proved to be a mistake as Royston's opening bowlers ripped through the NCI top order.

Skipper Adam Newman dispatched four of the top five NCI scalps on his way to his maiden Royston five-wicket haul.

He was well supported by Chris Hootton, who bowled tightly and achieved personal best league figures of 4-21.

Royston fielded tightly and took all their catches.

Newman was particularly impressed with how the team kept the pressure on NCI despite the absence of their main strike bowler, Richard Temple.

NCI ended up being dismissed for 104 in 42 overs.

However, Royston's innings did not go as smoothly as hoped.

After losing Matt Graham in the fifth over, Newman was met in the middle by Will Graham and the pair moved the total to 36 before Newman was dismissed to a tight lbw appeal.

The questionable nature of the decision was further exacerbated by collapse of wickets that followed.

The momentum of the game shifted as Royston found themselves six wickets down before reaching 50.

However, Graham marked his return to form as he survived an early dropped catch to make NCI pay for some loose bowling.

Martin Leek entertained the Royston supporters with a number of boundaries but fell before he and Graham could seal a much-needed Royston victory.

However, Graham held his nerve and was up to the challenge, winning the match with a boundary which took him to 51 not out.

Royston are still at the foot of the table but have closed the gap on this week's opponents Burghley Park.

With seven key players due to return on Saturday, a win should take them off the bottom.