TUCKER PREMIER DIV. 1

Granta II 161-9 (54 overs)  Foxton I 238-4 (41.3 overs)

Foxton were denied victory for a second consecutive week by a youngster, this time 17-year-old Joe Stedman-Jones was the thorn in their side against Granta II at the Clare College ground. Losing the toss and being invited to bat they lost Peter Moor early on and skipper Lawrence Farnum joined Antonnel Atwell. They batted patiently against their young hosts attack for the next 20 overs and then gradually increased the tempo and at the departure of Atwell for a well constructed 60 the score had advanced to 144-2. Farnum went on to complete his best innings of this season smashing 18 fours in a superb 135 not out. This enabled the visitors to declare after only 41.3 overs on 238-4. Granta's best bowler was Joe Upton with 3-77.

By claiming an extra six overs Foxton were hopeful of dismissing their hosts. From early on it became apparent that Granta's intention was the draw. Watchful knocks by Seb Hammersley (25), David Norman (30) and Robert Nightingale (32) went part of the way to achieving their aim but they still looked in danger at 111-7 with 15 overs remaining. Enter Stedman-Jones, and showing great maturity he carried his bat and pushed his side to safety with a chanceless 31 not out, Foxton surrounded the bat for the last few overs but were unable to capture the final wicket and Granta escaped on 161-9 after 54 overs. Foxton's best bowler was the consistent Tom Stone with 13-5-28-3.

Next week Foxton I are away to newly promoted Ickwell and the 2nd XI entertain Helions Bumpstead.

Barry McCulloch - 30/05/2011