Hales A find a good blend

Hales A put up a plucky performance which belied their bottom of the table position when they took on Norfolk League Division Four leaders Felthorpe.After deciding to bat first on a good-looking track at Felthorpe, Hales lost early wickets but were once gain steadied by the batting of veteran opener Milton Lindsay, who combined solid defence with strokeplay for a fine 83 containing 16 boundaries.

Hales A put up a plucky performance which belied their bottom of the table position when they took on Norfolk League Division Four leaders Felthorpe.

After deciding to bat first on a good-looking track at Felthorpe, Hales lost early wickets but were once gain steadied by the batting of veteran opener Milton Lindsay, who combined solid defence with strokeplay for a fine 83 containing 16 boundaries.

He enjoyed good support from teenager Rob Mattocks who contributed a hard-hit 39, while some belligerent hitting from Steve Claxton (19no) gave the innings the impetus needed to take the total to 201-8.

Felthorpe, knowing that victory would clinch promotion, made a flying start as veteran opener Randolph Lofthouse raced to a brisk 54 laced with powerful back-foot shots.

Although Hales enjoyed some success - notably when spinner Matthew Plummer had Felthorpe's multiple centurion Michael Hall caught at mid-off cheaply - Andy Hewett finished the job for Felthorpe with a fine unbeaten 66.

The hosts achieved victory with six wickets and 12 overs to spare.

Hales MoM: Milton Lindsay.