CCA Division 4A

THERE were no signs of ring rust on Littleport’s bowling attack as they blasted their side to a superb 97-run win over Bluntisham II at the weekend.

The adverse weather saw Port’s first two league games cancelled but there were certainly no ill effects on Saturday as the four-pronged bowling attack made light work of a young Bluntisham side.

The win propelled Port straight up into second place in the CCA Division 4A, but there remains a large gap to top-placed side March, who have completed three out of four league games so far this term.

After winning the toss, Port decided to bat first on Bluntisham’s track, seeking to take advantage of the overhead conditions to post a competitive total.

Though openers Andy Race (1) and Joe Murfitt (10) were dismissed cheaply, numbers three and four Scott Connop and Chris Farnell played superbly to get the innings back on track.

The duo scored 31 and 37 respectively to push Port past the 100 mark. Bluntisham’s Roland Searle was in superb form with the ball, taking 5-21, and it was his good work that stopped Connop and Farnell turning good starts in bigger scores.

Number six Mark Harlock played well for his 20 and youngster Finley Logan hit an undefeated 16 late in the innings to see Port on to a relatively useful 155 all out at the close.

Port’s opening bowlers Liam Smith and Farnell were doubtless champing at the bit to get going after week’s of frustration and it was there superb bowling that quickly had the home side in trouble.

Taking 2-16 and 3-10 respectively, the duo ensured that the middle-order were quickly exposed to the new ball.

Mark Allen (16) put up some resistance for the hosts but the introduction of Mark Scott (3-13) and Ben Shipp (2-17) ensured there was little respite for the home side.

With just seven extras conceded, the last wicket fell with just 58 runs on the board, sealing a convincing win for Port.