Belvoir returnto winning ways

BELVOIR SECOND XI v KIRKBY PORTLAND SECOND XI

Belvoir won by 54 runs

BELVOIR returned to winning ways at Knipton in a game reduced to 40 overs.

The hots lost the toss and were asked to bat in bowler-friendly conditions. Belvoir captain John Copley mixed up the top order and was rewarded with a run rate up at around four-an-over against good seam bowling.

New opener Matt Harland (20) and Lyndon James (17) set the tone with a 32-run stand which was carried on positively by top scorer Harry Adams (35) with some fine straight drives among his six fours.

Copley added a quick 17, while all-rounders Ollie Elson (15), Paul Adams (29) and George Tebbutt (9 not out) increased the tempo, taking Belvoir to a decent total of 172-8.

Belvoir’s bowling was excellent, led by Fraser Fentem (7-1-16-1) and Alex Forbes (10-2-31-1) who restricted the early scoring to less than three-an-over. Paul Adams (8-1-36-3) came on and bowled the dangerous Jonathan Williamson for 27 before Ollie Elson (6.4-1-20-2) bowled opener Luke Gregory (47) with canny off spin.

Two good catches off Adams put Belvoir in complete control, the first a superb diving effort to a firm drive by Matt Harland at mid-off, the second a steepler taken by Alex Forbes.

George Tebbutt wrapped up the innings in style, bowling three batsmen in two overs to dismiss Kirkby for 118 and earn Belvoir the full 20 points.