Winterton v Drayton 25th August 2007

Drayton 117 Winterton 118-5 As expected, the wicket at Winterton was wet but drying under an immaculate blue sky. Normally, a captain winning the toss in such conditions would not hesitate before inserting the opposition. But, with just an outside chance of overtaking Acle for the seventh spot in Division One if they scored 200, Drayton batted first.

From the start, batting looked difficult for Drayton against accurate bowling from Larner and Percival. Andy Denny was in belligerent mood, getting off the mark with a six, but balls often stopped in the wet pitch and Philip Wright was undone by a slower ball. Andy Hawes middled the first bad ball he faced - a low full toss - to extra cover where he was well caught by Austin diving to his right. The partnership between Andy Denny and Gary Smith was the backbone of the Drayton innings: having observed the variable bounce, they both grafted well, with the occasional big shot. Sadly, both departed with about 15 overs to go - Smith yorked and Denny to an unfortunate run-out, whereupon there was a mid-innings collapse. Fortunately, Gary Foreman, Mike ('I don't really bat' ) Ridout and a scampering Keno Mario-Ghae saw Drayton past 100 to a score of 117.

After a big tea in The Fisherman's Return, Drayton needed early wickets. Balls were still stopping and leaping, albeit quite slowly. Lee Cornfield (2-25) eventually had both Winterton openers, Clarke and Boylan, well caught by Smith in the slips from balls which reared. Though the wicket was gradually becoming drier and easier, there were opportunities for Drayton to take hold of the game. Gary Smith (1-17) bowled accurately and at the right pace for the wicket, getting the seam to grip. Gary Foreman also bowled intelligently, taking 2-39 in his 12 overs, one of his wickets the result of a good catch by Keno Mario-Ghae at long leg. Unfortunately, four catchable chances were spilled and a patient stand between wicket-keeper Noble-Parker and Austin saw Winterton home with 10 overs to spare.

With three teams likely to be relegated from Division One, things look bad for Drayton. Relegation, after a strong second half to the season, in which they have won 5 matches, will seem rather harsh.