WITH Beech Walk looking likely to be a cricket-free zone last Sunday, a friendly arranged at short notice gave Leigh Fourths a morale-boosting victory in a close fought game against the Leigh CC Pub League team.

Having been invited to bat, the Fourths accumulated runs slowly, in keeping with their usual approach to the longer game. Despite losing Steve Waywell to the spin of Alex Roussak who was guesting for the visitors, the youngsters reached a total of 172 for 3 from their 40 overs, with opener Michael Waywell playing a superb innings of 64 not out.

Major contributions of 32 from Will Banner, currently in fine form, and 36 from the returning Anthony Bentham, were significant, whilst brother Chris assisted Michael with a confident 17 not out.

The visitors, being more accustomed to the 20 over game, looked to start with considerable gusto, but were initially thwarted by three maidens from Andrew Thomason in his first five overs. Though opener Doherty was a constant threat with some lusty shots, it was the 4 wickets for 27 from five overs by Tim Edwards that started to turn the game Leigh's way, twice taking two wickets in successive balls, but being unable to complete either with a hat-trick.

Ultimately, the departure of the dangerous Doherty to a well-judged outfield catch by Edwards off the bowling of Waywell saw the younger team take the upper hand.

Although a nail-biting finish was enjoyed by the many spectators, with the visitors needing only eleven runs from the last 6 overs, and with 3 wickets in hand, it was the composure of the home side that prevailed, seeing the Fourths home by just nine runs.

Gavin Brennan ended with 2 wickets for 27, finishing with a double-wicket maiden, Chris Waywell took 2 for 15, and Andrew Thomason also took 2 for 27, ending the match with just over 3 overs remaining.