FORDHAM made it through to the last 32 of the National Village Championships after defeating Foxton by 64 runs. Making the most of the overhead conditions, Fordham opted to bat first and set about making hay, as they carved their way to an astonishing sco

FORDHAM made it through to the last 32 of the National Village Championships after defeating Foxton by 64 runs.

Making the most of the overhead conditions, Fordham opted to bat first and set about making hay, as they carved their way to an astonishing score of 240-6 in 40 overs. Graham Arnold (67) and Gavin Harding (64) were the stars of the show as the team scored at an irresistible rate of seven runs an over.

To their credit, Foxton endeavoured to be ambitious in their reply and two or three decent scores looked likely to threaten Fordham's total.

The visitors were unable to maintain their scoring rate though, and solid bowling from Charles Forden (3-37) and Clinton Cornwell (2-27) ensured Fordham emerged victorious.

In their Saturday matchup, Fordham 1st XI made light work of Castor & Ailsworth, winning by seven wickets.

The visitors opted to bat first, but soon regretted the decision as they began to struggle, the electric bowling of Jason Harding (3-6) ensuring they were removed for just 76 runs.

Harding then turned his attentions to the bat and chipped in with 30 to ensure the home side picked off the runs in double quick time.

Fordham 3rd XI meanwhile, maintained their position at the top of Div 5B as they came past Burrough Green 2nd XI by 69 runs.

Nick Foulds' 87 with the bat proved the stand-out performance for Fordham as, batting first, they reached 200-6 from their 40 overs.

It was the side's younger players who came to the fore with the ball though, as Tom Peters (5-16) and Simon Murfitt (2-7) tore through the opposition, and saw Fordham to victory.