Wilburton Score Maiden Victory

WILBURTON edged to their first league win of the season after a nail-biting run chase at Sutton.

A vastly improved batting performance from the visitors saw them reach their 158 run target with three wickets still in tact, though they were made to sweat somewhat as some accurate bowling from Sutton looked to have forced a last minute draw.

Wilburton opening batsmen Tony Jacobs, said: "We were very pleased to pick up the win and everybody helped so that was good.

"We have struggled for runs recently so it was also good to get some time in the middle and for a couple of guys to get back in the runs."

In recent weeks the Wilburton bowling attack has been their strongest asset and so it proved again on this occasion as youngster Lee Newton helped himself to three top order wickets at an average of just over eight to really set the tone.

Though Sutton rallied with some staunch middle order knocks from Glen Campbell (36) Mike Grady (25) and Chris Greaves (29), Wilburton continued to take regular wickets and wrapped up the innings for 158 runs.

With their target of just under four set, Wilburton readily put willow on leather and some measured play from Tony Jacobs (24) and Andy Buller (23) ensured the middle order had a decent platform from which to build.

With the batsmen settled, Gary Dewey came to the fore and a masterful knock of 59 ensured the visitors manoeuvred their way to 136-3, and towards victory.

Nerves soon took hold though, and victory soon looked under threat as Robert Braybrooke turned the screw with the ball to nip out three quick wickets.

At 150-7 and with overs slipping away like sand through an hour-glass, Sutton sensed an improbable victory. They didn't count on the level-heads of both Paul Dewey and Gary Foot though, and the pair overcame the collapse to steer the visitors to victory with six balls to spare.