Martin Wells and Auldwyn Lindsay produced a match-winning century stand as Hales and Loddon recorded their first Norfolk Alliance Division Six win of the season.

The duo put on 103 in a crucial fifth-wicket partnership after H&L, chasing a 157 target against Ahsmanhaugh and Barton Wanderers A, were reeling at 37-4 after 13 overs.

Lacing their natural attacking instincts with intelligent restraint the middle-order pair were parted in the 31st over with the score on 140 and the job all but done. Wells, who was run out by Tosh Keshwala’s direct hit from the deep, had contributed a fine 47 containing three fours and two mighty sixes.

Lindsay, aided by the able Tim Outlaw (8 not out) guided the team over the finishing line in the 36th over, for an unbeaten 47.

Stand-in skipper Pete Dye, who had earlier won the toss and invited the visitors to bat on a rain-softened wicket, was able to heave a sigh of relief at his side’s recovery. A&B hopes had been boosted by a series of early breakthroughs as Callum Gibson bowled Jack Cook for 13 and had Milton Lindsay caught behind off a spitting delivery for six. Matt Buckingham was bowled by Keshwala for nine before Mark Stewart suffered his third lbw dismissal in four innings, trapped by Gibson for three. Gibson returned three for 34 from his nine overs while Keshwala showed good economy taking one for 27 from his eight.

Earlier the bottom-of-the-table visitors had posted a 156 total, which H&L had felt was well within reach.

Wilson had provided the mainstay of the A&B batting with a hard-hit 71 laced with eight boundaries, while Adam Cohen (15) and Oliver Cohen (19 not out) were the other notable contributors.

Young paceman Matt Buckingham spearheaded the H&L bowling effort, with three for 16 from nine overs, while slow bowler Will Yates did well to record one for 29 from his seven overs after suffering an inner thigh muscle injury after his first delivery. Mark Stewart kept the pressure on with two for 17 from his nine overs while Martin Wells (9 overs 1 for 43) and Jack Cook (6.4 overs 1 for 22) completed the wicket-taking against the nine-man visitors.

Musker McIntyre joint Man of the Match: Auldwyn Lindsay and Martin Wells.