HADDENHAM cemented their place in the top two of the Cambs Cricket Association Division 4A after a plucky two-wicket win over Witcham II.

HADDENHAM cemented their place in the top two of the Cambs Cricket Association Division 4A after a plucky two-wicket win over Witcham II.

The fledgling side have been in excellent form in recent weeks and secured their fifth win in eight matches on Saturday thanks to a wily bowling performance from their experienced bowling attack.

The win keeps the side’s average on a healthy 17.33 and keeps them firmly on the coat tails of leaders Wisbech who have an average of 19.

Choosing to bowl first on a scorching day, Haddenham wasted no time in calling in their pacemen to test the mettle of a young Witcham side. Some early breakthroughs for Neil Smith, helped Haddenham move into the visiting middle-order while relatively fresh and the momentum continued to build as Witcham struggled to build partnerships.

A fine effort from Lloyd Few (54) however, helped pin the Witcham innings together, with knocks from A Badcock (13) and Graham Ralphs (13) pushed the visitors’ total to 114 at the close of play.

Smith (3-14) and Chris Hughes (2-18) did much of the damage for Haddenham in what was a polished bowling performance.

Requiring a little under three-an-over for the win, the home side had the benefit of time on their side and their top order rose to the challenge as Witcham searched for a breakthrough.

Some decent knocks from Hughes (39) and Adam Clow (24) ensured the home side made it to 83-4 in relative comfort but Witcham rallied late on and produced some excellent bowling to push Haddenham all the way to the wire.

An outstanding effort from young H Lawrence (4-44) for Witcham ensured that Haddenham had to work down to the last run as they lost four wickets for 35 runs to finish up 118-8 at the close.

Haddenham face third-placed Fordham next week in the important battle for a promotion place while Witcham go in search of a win at league-leaders Wisbech.