Great Melton’s first team made a winning start to life in Division 3 of the Norfolk Alliance with a 5 wicket victory over North Runcton ‘A’. 15 year old Darshan Rai was the pick of Great Melton’s bowlers taking 3 for 31 from his 12 overs. The young left armer bowled with decent pace and caused problems for all of the North Runcton batsman but his control was the most impressive aspect, conceding just 1 wide. He received good support from all of the bowlers; Michael Sibert was particularly impressive taking 2 for 26 and gaining appreciable turn with his leg breaks. Ben Coote top scored for the visitors making 40 and some lusty blows from Stuart Bunting saw Runcton post 142 from their 46 overs, a total that was well below par on a good wicket and quick outfield.
In reply Melton lost former Runcton player, Jim Rice (4) early, bowled by a decent yorker from the lively, but erratic Coote. Martin Bunn, who is returning from a serious knee injury looked assured until he was adjudged lbw to Bix for 16 and when Richard Wood was caught for 21, Melton were 62 for 3 and making heavy weather of chasing a modest target. However Marcus Godbold (53) played a fine knock and struck the ball hard and well and with Jonny Howard (8) and Matt Clarke (20 not out) they saw Melton to a comfortable 5 wicket victory in just the 33rd over.
North Runcton ‘A’
T Coote b. Rai 0
M Skipper ct. Wood b Hubbard 13
J Lemon ct. Hubbard b Scott 3
B Coote lbw b. Rai 40
W Lankfer ct. Woods b Sibert 8
I Bix not out 19
H Lankfer ct. Clarke b Sibert 0
T Bunting run out (Howard) 15
S Bunting not out 26
Extras 17
Total 142 for 7
D Rai 12-3-31-3
M Scott 7-0-34-1
M Sibert 11-4-26-2
N Hubbard 9-2-30-1
J Rice 7-3-17-0
Great Melton
R Wood ct. Lemon b S Bunting 21
J Rice b. Coote 4
M Bunn lbw. b Bix 16
M Godbold b. Skipper 53
J Howard b. Bix 8
M Clarke not out 20
M Sibert not out 4
Extras 16
Total 143 for 5
B Coote 6-1-32-1
S Bunting 12-2-44-1
I Bix 9-2-38-2
B Skipper 4-0-11-1
C Elvin 2.1-0-7-0