AN inspired bowling display from Soham saw them secure victory in an absorbing tussle with Ely II. In a match in which both teams had opportunities to seize the initiative it was Soham who eventually took the points after a barnstorming performance with t

AN inspired bowling display from Soham saw them secure victory in an absorbing tussle with Ely II.

In a match in which both teams had opportunities to seize the initiative it was Soham who eventually took the points after a barnstorming performance with the ball.

Opting to bat first on a changeable day, Soham began tentatively and fell victim to some precise bowling from visiting pair Mark Deas and J Hill, who between them tore though the top order with little resistance.

A middle order fightback led by David Thomas (18) provided some hope of a decent total for the home side, but the scintillating bowling of E Koopowitz (4-23) ensured that the home side were dismissed for just 115. Paul Skinner's unbeaten 27 proved the highlight of Soham's innings.

Buoyed by their exploits with the ball, Ely came out for their innings needing just under three-an-over for victory. The innings began disastrously however, as the first six wickets fell for just 10 runs.

The arrival of bowling duo Deas(12) and Hill (15*) at the crease gave Ely a glimmer of hope late on as the score, aided by 17 extras, crept up past 80. It wasn't to be though as the visitors eventually ran out of batsmen and were dismissed for 83.

Keith Metcalfe took the bowling spoils on the day, picking up 3-5 from his frugal 10 over spell.

The win sees Soham cement their spot in second place in the CCA Division 3A, less than one average point behind leaders March.