Newton Poppleford CC entertained All Saints on Sunday, the visitors electing to bat first as they were missing three players and hoped they would arrive before they needed to bat, writes Ken Clay.

They didn’t materialise, so two watching Newton Colts, Callum Burns and Asa Unsworth, were drafted into the opposition team. In the end they were not required to bat as the eight All Saints batsmen set about the Newton attack from the off. They smashed 14 from Ross Chatwood’s first over. George House removed the opener Draper with his sixth ball for a very quick fire 14. This brought Trott to the crease to join Wallace and they put on a 100 partnership. Third change bowler Alex Raistrick cut back off the seam and bowled Trott for a fine 53. Another 30 runs were added before Stone had Wallace caught by a fine running catch at deep fine leg by Matthew Raistrick.

The last few overs saw another flurry of runs which brought up the Saints total to 189 off their 40 overs, but not before Stoner got his second wicket of the day.

After another great tea, supplied this week by Mel and Caz, aided by the injured Alsford, Ben Wooley and Dave Sykes opened the reply and put on 47 before Wooley was run out for 24.

Alex Raistrick entered the fold, smashing seven fours and one six in a chanceless 70 not out. Sykes was out for 67 with six fours and two sixes. Tom Clay was stumped off the bowling of guesting colt Callum Burns.

It was left to Matt Hill, 18 not out, to join Raistrick and see Newton to a convincing seven wicket win with eight overs to spare.

Thanks to Lynne House for scoring, the injured Mac Marsh and James House for umpiring and the Colts Asa and Callum, who did not let themselves down in turning out for the Saints.

All that was left was to congregate at the club sponsor, the Cannon Inn, and help Alan Cardwell find his beer and tobacco.