Triple-Wicket Maiden for Ben as U11s Beat Swaffham

GREAT MELTON U11s beat SWAFFHAM U11s by 76 runs at Melton Park in the South Norfolk Community League

Melton U11s continue to sweep all before them as they followed up their Terry Moore Trophy win by moving a step closer to the South Norfolk Community League title with a convincing 76-run win over Swaffham.  This was a rearranged match, the original fixture having been rained off on the Sunday of the 40th Anniversary celebrations.  Melton's side contained only 3 of the team that had appeared in the Alliance final but the club's strength-in-depth meant that they were still far too strong for Swaffham.  Having elected to bat first, Melton totalled 110-2 in their 16 overs although over 50% of the runs came from ‘extras' (59 in fact!), mostly wides and no-balls, as some of the Swaffham bowlers struggled with both line and length.  Melton were also quick to take advantage of any misfields, running numerous quick singles.  Having lost Josh Wright, bowled by Hutchinson for 1, Charlie Green and Olly Leinster put on 45 for the second wicket before Leinster was run out off a no ball for 8.  Green scored 20 but was not his usual fluent self, relying mainly on singles to push the score along but he and Olly Black (4) took Melton's total to 64 off 11 overs before being ‘retired' to give some other batsmen the opportunity to have a little time at the wicket.  James Bridges (16) hit 4 boundaries before he also retired with an over to go as Ben Johnson (2 not out) and Josh Allen (0 not out) finished off the innings.  Matt Hutchinson (3-0-8-1), James Steeles (3-0-12-0) and young Liam Exley (2-0-4-0) were easily the visitors best bowlers.

Charlie Steeles (13) batted well in Swaffham's reply but, although Exley (5) and George Upton (6 not out) provided a little support, the 5 other Swaffham batsmen were all out for ducks as Melton's bowlers proved too accurate.  Bridges (2-0-3-0) and Green (2-1-4-0) conceded just 7 runs in their first 4 overs but it was Olly Leinster (2-0-8-2) and Ben Johnson (2-1-5-3) who did the real damage, taking 5 wickets in a 4-over spell with Johnson's accurate swing bowling bringing him a triple-wicket maiden.  Kit Fordham bowled 1 over for 7 runs before injuring his finger and having to leave the field and Josh Allen (1-7) picked up the final wicket as Swaffham were bowled out for 34 in the 10th over, meaning Olly Black didn't have an opportunity to bowl.

It leaves Melton U11s top of the South Norfolk Community League with 2 games to go, at also unbeaten Rocklands on Friday and at Melton Park against Mundford on Sunday morning.