Belton's demolition job

BELTON finally fulfilled their early season promise with a comprehensive demolition of Old Catton on Saturday to keep alive their slim chance of promotion. Richard Goreham made 73 not out.

After torrential rain in Norwich during the week, Belton skipper Tom Knigh had no hesitation in asking Catton to bat on a damp and soft wicket. His estimation was justified as the Belton opening bowlers Saj Ali and Phil Plummer beat the bat regularly and tied the Catton openers down.

The first three overs brought only four runs and the wicket of L Prime, run out by an accurate throw from Wayne Goreham. Jon Cooke and Colin Lakey tried to rebuild and did manage to add 32 for the second wicket, but it was slow going.

Plummer finally made the breakthrough with the ubiquitous Goreham dismissing Cooke with an excellent catch low down at extra cover. Wickets fell with annoying regularity for the home side. Lakey was finally bowled by Cameron Nichols, whose analysis of six overs for six runs included a wicket and five maidens.

Fossey succumbed to the temptation to have a slog at Richard Goreham's leg-spin and lost his leg stump for 22. Saj Ali returned to clean up M Smith for 28, the top score in the Catton innings.

When Paul Prime departed to yet another run out, Catton were struggling to bat the 45 overs. They just made it but could only muster 137-9 as the target.

Belton's task in the run chase was made easier by an unbeaten innings of 73 from Goreham. His opening partner Steve Day contributed a solid 18 in an opening stand of 39 and, after the departure of Wayne Goreham for 6, Phil Plummer remained rock solid at one end. Plummer contributed two massive sixes to reduce the target dramatically and Belton eased over the finishing line in the 33rd over by eight wickets. Old Catton had no real answer to the stroke play of Goreham and Plummer and the excellent bowling and fielding of the visitors.