Belton ntertained Horsford B keen to put the troubles of the first half of the season behind them and begin a move up the Norfolk League Division Two table.

The home side had no hesitation in asking Horsford to bat whilst waiting, in vain, for a real taste of summer to arrive.

Saby and Collinson put on 46 for the first wicket and the visitors looked to make light of the conditions. Finally the introduction of Gary Warner accounted for Saby and Tom Knight soon had Collinson caught at the wicket.

After the loss of Dinsmore without scoring Horsford still looked well placed on 52 off only 13 overs. Belton’s skipper, Saj Ali, decided to unleash this spin twins, Tom Knight and Harry Chanchalani, in an effort to stem the flow of runs and he was richly rewarded.

Catches were held, a run-out was accomplished and Belton’s ground fielding was much improved. Chanchalani grabbed a five-for and Knight chipped in with three wickets as Horsford had no answer. They succumbed in the 40th over for a below-par 136.

Just when the corner looked to have been turned, Belton’s batting frailties re-surfaced. At 5-2, with both Goreham brothers back in the hutch, panic might have ensued. Fortunately the Savoury brothers were made of sterner stuff and they added 83 for the third wicket to bring the home side within striking distance. Both Savouries scored 40 and a captain’s not out 18 from Ali and three lusty blows from Warner were all that was required to overhaul the Horsford total. B. Flook’s 3-40 was the pick of the visitor’s bowling as Belton ran out winners by four wickets.

Belton’s good Sunday shows continued as they overcame Reepham and Salle by five wickets at the Common.

Gavin Moar was in excellent form with the new ball as the visitors chose to bat. He removed three of the top four with some accurate and pacey seam bowling. B Briggs led the recovery but was caught in the deep by George Savoury to leave Reepham stranded on 98 for 4 with only 11 overs to go. The introduction of Savoury into the attack stifled the visiting batsmen. His 10 overs cost just 18 runs and just when Reepham were attempting to accelerate he effectively applied the brakes. Chris Cropley came on to enable the bowlers to switch ends and had G Wright caught at the wicket by Adam Savoury. Ali Afiz and Andy Bhardwaj provided the seam back-up and each contributed one wicket to the cause. Good fielding and tight bowling reduced Reepham to 150 for 7 at the close. Gavin Moar’s 3 for 39 led the Belton bowling attack.

In reply, Belton continued the annoying habit of losing early wickets. Both left-handers, Ashling and Bracewell hardly troubled the scorers.

It was left to the Savouries again to rescue the cause – putting on 26 for the third wicket. Adam Savoury was out caught for 16. George went on to make 19 valuable runs. But, at 48 for 4 off 14 overs Belton were still in with a chance.

Chris Cropley, in a welcome return to form, ensured success. In partnership first with Andy Bhardwaj (6) and finally with Harry Chanchalani (16 no) his unbeaten 82 enabled Belton to pass the total required in 34 overs.