Everards County League: Melton Mowbray ease past Thorpe Arnold Seconds

The former Thorpe fast bowler took 6 for 38 as Melton began life in Division Four East with a comfortable six-wicket win at the All England Ground.

Melton won the toss and put Thorpe Arnold into bat who made a steady start against the bowling attack of Karl Tew and new signing Roberts.

Thorpe skipper Mark Carnell and Simon Jones looked to be riding the storm until Roberts trapped the latter lbw with the score on 39.

Both Carnell (20) and Lewis Perry (16) looked to defy the attack and get into their innings, but a strong spell of bowling from Roberts, Tew and Phil James removed the middle order for just 31 runs.

The visitors ended up on 82 all out in the 25th over.

Melton’s innings started slowly with just 13 runs from the first four overs against some tight bowling from Carnell and Jones who were rewarded with the early wicket of opener Gary Potter for one.

James chalked up 16 before being dismissed lbw by Gallagher Plowman, but Lee Freer found the boundary frequently in his undefeated 31, including a well-timed four to win the game in only the 17th over.

On Saturday, Melton head out to Countesthorpe, while Thorpe entertain Wigston Town. Matches start at 1pm.

Thorpe Arnold: M. Carnell 20, S. Jones 12, L. Perry 16, G. Plowman 0, A. Sibun 0, J. Hirst 4, J. Fendell 0, I. Perry 3, W. Foldys 1, M. Kelser 4*, Extras 0. Total: 82.

Bowling: K. Tew 12-5-25-1; M. Roberts 12-2-38-6; P. James 1-0-3-1; B. Redwood 0.2-0-1-1.

Melton: G. Potter 1, P. James 16, L. Freer 31*, L. Middleton 0, M. Roberts 9, Handley 10*, Extras 0. Total: 86-4.

Bowling: G. Plowman 6-0-29-1; M. Carnell 6-0-21-1; W. Foldys 4.2-0-14-1.