South Noots Cricket League: Belvoir captain Dann leads from the front

Murray De Banke got the game off to an exciting start with a spell of 3 for 7 from seven overs for Hoveringham.

But Greg Oldfield (31) and captain Lewis Dann (71) brought the home side back into contention, Dann’s innings combining deft placement with impish running. Single after single came between the slips and gully or was stolen in the covers somewhere.

At the other end Hamish Moore took six wickets with a commendable spell of attacking slow bowling. He was aided by fine fielding which saw nine catches held, including a fine one on the boundary by Stuart Walton.

Fraser Fentem added some lusty blows at the death as Belvoir finished on 180.

Joe Bottomley seemed to be on a mission in the reply, running in with irresistible purpose to extract significant bounce from the wicket. He took four wickets for two runs in a 13-ball burst to reduce the visitors to 33-4.

Greg Oldfield chipped in with two wickets as the batting side tried manfully to resist with Paul Lewis’ unbeaten 26 a masterclass in concentration.

It was left to Dann (3 for 13) to wrap the Hoveringham innings up for 98. Fine Belvoir fielding was another feature of the day with keeper Ryan Lewis taking three catches and a stumping.