AN injury-depleted Little Thetford side were put to the sword by runaway league leaders Newmarket on Saturday.

Injuries to several key players meant Thetford skipper Kevin Russell was forced to draft in several debutantes for the match, and their lack of experience told as Newmarket cruised to a nine-wicket win.

The loss leaves Little Thetford in fourth place in Division 6A, with two wins and two losses to their name.

Opening the batting on a dry pitch, Little Thetford started warily and were a wicket down inside the third over as opener Mick Watson was clean bowled.

Watson’s wicket brought youngster Dan Stead (15) to the crease and, despite his tender years, he proved a formidable obstacle to the Newmarket bowlers, using their pace to maximum effect to rack up the runs.

As Stead held up one end however, batting partners came and went at the other as a combination of excellent bowling and rash stroke-play saw the wickets tumble.

A quick blitz from Stuart Evans (8) boosted the score for the home side before he holed out to long-off while young Jack Partner impressed with a stunning six clipped off his hip with the ball on the rise.

A succession of keen youngsters gained valuable match experience when they came to the crease lower down the order but some excellent pace bowling ultimately proved too much for them as Thetford were eventually bowled out for 73 in a little more than 25 overs.

After a quick turnaround at lunch, Thetford took their turn in the field but some lusty batting from the visitors ensured their stay was a short one.

Though Newmarket lost a wicket to the bowling of Mike Watson early on, they continued to rack up the runs with gusto, reaching their target in little more than 11 overs to claim the win and retain their position at the top of the league.

Little Thetford are in action again on Saturday when they travel to Huntingdonshire to take on St Ives IV.