Melton Mowbray Seconds held to draw by Dunton Bassett

DUNTON BASSETT SECOND XI v MELTON MOWBRAY SECOND XI

Melton winning draw

LOSING the toss and asked to bat on a green, damp pitch on Saturday, Melton made a slow cautious start.

Mike Pratt was one of several batsman to lose their wicket to the variable bounce, but when Brian Draper (29) was joined by skipper Malc Brown, they began to play some delightful shots in difficult conditions.

Three wickets fell for just six runs before the drinks break, and at 64-4, Melton looked unlikely to post a decent score. Scott Mooney and Steve Booth pushed the score towards the 100 mark before the latter departed. A quickfire 22 from Lee Jones enabled Melton to collect four batting points, and with the help of the tail, Mooney managed to reach his maiden 50 off the last ball of the 45th over.

Chasing 148 for victory with a lush outfield was not going to be easy, but the home side made a sound start. But once Mooney (3 for 44 from 15 overs) and Jones (4 for 39 from 22 overs) removed both openers they bowled Melton into a position they could not lose.

Nevertheless, the last few wickets proved difficult and frustrating to remove and despite Melton using three further bowlers, Dunton Bassett held out for a losing draw.

Melton: 147-9.

Dunton Bassett: 119-8.