Hales and Loddon B took a young side to Watton, and came up against a strong side. However, several young players produced encouraging displays.

Watton won the toss and elected to bat, and despite good bowling from Glen Shipley and Chris Read, scored well before a smart catch from Mark Shipley off Josh Knights.

At 185 for one off 30, a 300-plus score looked a certainty, but then H&L staged a strong fightback.

Josh Pitcher was lead bowler, removing the danger men in a great spell of three for 20 from five. He was well backed by Chris Read and Morgan Rusted, who bagged a brace, with a good run out from Liam Jones’ superb throw which gave Joe Perry the chance to show his skills.

Watton closed on 262 for eight.

The pitch at Watton was lively and Chris Read stood firm, despite being hit twice by the opening bowler.

Josh Knights (17) top scored, with 15 from Chris Read and another solid display seeing the barnacle Glen Shipley stuck to the crease, not to be removed, as the H&L innings closed at 64.

Afterwards coach Pete Dye was full of praise for an almost Colts side, with bowling and ground fielding impressive, particularly at the end of the innings.

At 185 for one, it would have been easy to fold, but they came back strongly, and with effort and bowling like the last 14 overs, more positive results will surely come. It’s a development team, and already there is improvement from many players within the side.

V J Rout man-of-the-match: Chris Read, all-round display with determination.