Win boost for Elmham

North Elmham (24 points) beat high-flying Great Melton C (4) by six wickets in the Norfolk League Division Six.

Skipper Sinclair lost his seventh straight toss and Melton elected to bat first. Earlier in the season Melton had defeated Elmham by 21 runs following a batting collapse by Elmham.

Websdale, down the hill, bowled tidily without looking too threatening. At the other end, Keeble, who was making his first appearance since spraining his ankle in early June, was struggling with his line and length and was more expensive.

Having progressed without difficulty to 17, Melton presented Elmham with a gift wicket as Clarke was stranded at the same end as his partner King, run out for seven.

The next delivery Websdale bowled new bat Dorling for nought. With Moxon, King helped steady the ship by taking the score to 44.

Keeble was replaced up the hill by Grant King who was soon causing the batsmen difficulties. In his third over he bowled Moxon and three balls later sent Melton skipper Howard back to the pavilion with Malherbe taking a good catch behind the stumps.

Sinclair, with the score still on 44, bowled opener Clarke for a fiesty 18. With three wickets falling without any additional score Melton were reeling and the Elmham bowlers had the bit between the teeth.

Two overs later Sinclair bowled Phoenix for five and also quickly bowled young Bickle for four.

The returning Websdale claimed his second wicket with Tindall taking another fine catch at mid wicket to remove Button for four. King bowled DeSalis for four and ended a fine spell of 12-6-17-3.

Mason bludgeoned the Elmham bowlers for a quickfire 16 to take Melton's score to 84 before Keeble undid him with a rank full toss.

Skipper Sinclair was again pleased with his bowlers' discipline against a strong batting line-up in only 33 overs.

Elmham promoted young James White to open with seasoned campaigner Malherbe. Both players took no risks to begin with and intelligently waited for the looser deliveries to comfortably keep ahead of the required run rate. However, with the score on 39 just before tea, White was bowled for a handy 17.

King joined Malherbe and became the dominant partner, swatting his first scoring stroke for a massive six. A few overs later he hit an even bigger six as he raced to 23 before being bowled by DeSalis with the score on 73.

Olivier was soon caught off DeSalis for four and a few balls later Malherbe hit the winning runs to take his score to 35 not out.

This was also the first time Elmham have managed back to back wins this season and puts the team in good spirit forthe derby at Brisley (2pm).

Great Melton C: S Clarke run out 7, G King b Sinclair 18, J Dorling b Websdale 0, J Moxon b King 9, M Howard c Malherbe b King 0, S Phoenix b Sinclair 5, G Button c Tindall b Websdale 8, J Bickle b Sinclair 4, L DeSalis b King 4, K Mason b Keeble 16, T Smith not out 0, extras 13. Total 84. Bowling: R Websdale 12-4-17-2, A Keeble 5-0-33-1, G King 12-6-17-3, I Sinclair 6-3-14-3.

North Elmham: S Malherbe not out 35, J White b Bickle 17, G King b DeSalis 23, J Olivier c b DeSalis 4, R.Websdale not out 0, extras 6. Total (4 wkts) 85. Bowling: L DeSalis 5-0-21-2, T Smith 5-0-13-0, K Mason 4.2-1-14-0, J Bickle 4-1-16-1, S Pheonix 2-0-15-0.