Result - Won by 68 runs

Top Performers

Stainborough 188-3, F.Troske 60, M. France 60 n.o., D. Coupland 49 n.o.

Royston - 120 - 7, S. Hargreaves 3-22, J. Ledger 44

Match Report

Stainborough were asked to bat first in this 40 overs per side friendly against Royston. Francois Troske opened the batting and showed his intentions early by punching his second scoring shot over mid wicket for 6. Runs were coming easily but Stainborough suffered a setback when Gilfillan was bowled with the score on 27. Troske continued to hit the boundaries and the Royston attack were already looking disillusioned when Hargreaves was the second wicket to fall with total standing at 62.

Just after the mid point drinks break, Troske lost his wicket flashing at a wide delivery and was duly caught behind. His total of 60 included 3 sixes and 7 fours. This brought Mark France to the wicket to join Dean Coupland who had been given a rare opportunity to bat up the order. Both batters set about the Royston attack and scored freely. The pair put on an unbeaten stand of 105 in which Mark France (60 n.o.) made his maiden half-century, and Dean Coupland (49 n.o.) thoroughly deserved to follow him but cruelly ran out of overs to finish one shy of his 50. A total of 188-3 off 40 overs looked likely be more than enough to win the match.

Royston were soon in trouble with Steve Hargreaves taking 3-22 in his opening 8 over spell which included an excellent catch at cover by Luke Selwood. Francois Troske 1-11 and Dion Meyer 1-16 off 6 and 8 overs respectively, ensured that Royston were never in a position to go for their target. Luke Selwood bowled 8 overs for a mere 13 runs and was extremely unfortunate not to take several wickets. Mark France 0-18 off 6 overs and 3 overs from junior Brad Woods ensured that Royston were restricted to a final total of 120-7. J. Ledger (44) top scored for the visitors before being the first of two suicidal run outs when the result was already beyond doubt.

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