Newton have to dig deep for second win

1:29pm Monday 12th May 2008

Somerset League Div One: North Newton (33) 179 bt Wellington (18) 167 by 12 runs

NORTH Newton maintained their winning start to the season with this unconvincing home victory.

After they had elected to bat first, veteran/captain Eddy Stone and Chris "Rev" Barrington set a superb platform.

However, when Stone departed for 16, young Dan Lambert went without scoring, Barrington was dismissed for a well-made 37 and Keith "Chunk" Ward was also out.

Ed "Mr Club" Habberfield, and the hard-hitting Jack "Urinal" Cordery upped the run-rate before Habberfield was bowled for a tidy knock of 34.

Cordery was soon out as well, for 29, including five boundaries. Newton's lower order did well, scoring runs that were vital in the context of the game, with the ever-reliable Trev Gibbs 10 not out and young Alex White hitting a swift 10, to give Newton a total of 179.

After a super, man-made tea, Habberfield opened the bowling with Cordery. After only one wicket, Newton turned to Barrington and Ward.

Both bowled with superb accuracy and patience. Barrington claimed 3-39 off seven overs, with some help from the big man upstairs, while Ward took 2-19 off ten.

Barrington was replaced by Sellick, who bowled tidily again. A run-out by Alex White meant that Newton were into the tail and with the visitors needing only 13 runs, Sellick (3-18 off five) returned to bowl full and straight, which meant that the tail didn't wag.

Newton had to dig deep to win this one.

Match sponsor: AM Sensors Ltd.