Stony’s 2nd XI defied the weather on Saturday and made it three wins from three games in the NCL Third Division with a six wicket win against Heyford.
Stony skipper Chris Swain won the toss and chose to bowl first in conditions that were always going to be tough to bat in. For the second week in a row, veteran Neil Allen was the man who did the damage with the ball with his slow medium pace outswingers. He picked up 5 for 45, his second ‘five-for’ in as many weeks and was supported well by Richard Lines (2 for 38) and Dave Avery (1 for 22) as Heyford managed 150 for 9 from the their fifty overs. David Livermore top scored for the visitors with an impressive 48.
In reply, Stony immediately lost Steve Underdown for a duck but a fine partnership between Chris Bolton (41) and Stuart Gulliver (51) effectively settled the match. After a partnership of 80, the pair both lost their wickets in quick succession as Heyford tried to force their way back into the game. But an unbeaten 41 from Swain was more than enough to get his side past their target and to the top of the league after three games.
Stony’s 3rd XI also managed to get a full game in but had to hang on for a draw against Stoke Bruerne. Stoke were hustled out for 125 with Sam Brightwell (3 for 18) and Michael Brown (2 for 28) the pick of the bowlers. Stony really struggled in reply, and injured last man James Partridge had to come in to bat the last over to block out for a draw with Stony on 75 for 9 at the end.