Watton v Drayton 'A' 1st July 2006

Drayton 'A' 171-9 Watton 153 (N. Massingham 4-34) In a match reduced to 40 overs - a concession to football fans - Drayton wisely batted first on a pitch which had become dry and looked likely to break up. Skitmore bowled with hostility and openers Craig Knowles and Nigel Massingham showed courage, after being hit by balls which occasionally kicked or kept low. Massingham eventually had to retire after a blow on his left elbow, but fortunately recovered sufficiently to bowl later.

James Kay (21), Keith Pink (22) and Will Herring, with a hard-hitting 32 not out, were main contributors in a Drayton total of 171-9, incidentally the highest total recorded this season at Watton.

After an extended tea-break, designed to cover the two halves of the England v Portugal game, it was hard work to prise several Drayton players away from the television screen and extra time. Accurate bowling from all the Drayton bowlers, however, made full use of the uneven bounce and grip of the Watton wicket. Despite Watton's brisk start, Massingham, with 4-34 and a number of near-misses in his 10 overs, made early inroads. There was some spirited hitting from Watton's later order, but Phil Soanes (3-19 in 9 overs) applied the screw and Matt Bourne, bowling in his slower style, picked up two useful wickets. It was joy to see spin bowlers beating the bat so many times.

So, Drayton A recorded back-to-back victories and move clear of the relegation zone.