Everards County League: Melton Mowbray extend lead with battling win

Mowbray won by 52 runs to move 26 points clear of second-placed Market Overton who were held to a winning draw at Thorpe Arnold Second XI.

Having lost the toss and asked to bat first, Melton lost Phil James early and then saw several batsmen fail to build on starts as they slipped to 62-5 at the All England Ground.

But Pete Humphreys (44 not out) shared valuable stands of 54 with Mark Mabbott (25) and 33 with Karl Tew (17 not out) as the home side posted 161-7 from their 45 overs.

In reply, opening bowlers Karl Tew (2 for 30) and Ben Redwood (4 for 27) helped reduce Bitteswell to an identical score of 62-5.

But there was to be no substantial middle order contribution this time. Paul Stevenson (2 for 21) chipped in before Redwood returned to mop up the tail as the visitors were dismissed for 109.

On Saturday, Melton travel to mid-table Illston Abbey.