Aldborough duo outstanding

Yet another combination of outstanding batting by Troy Allan (155no) and bowling by Paul Reeve (7-16) proved to be the highlights of Aldborough's resounding 197-run victory over Rollesby in Norfolk League Division One.

Aldborough (26 points) 238-8, Rollesby 41 (5).

Winning the toss and batting first Aldborough again started very well with Cooper and Allan putting on 90. Cooper, in excellent form this year, rotated the strike well and struck a number of big blows to support the measured and calculated approach from Allan.

The latter played himself in nicely and was in ominous touch from early on and it was apparent he was there for the long haul.

Cooper was first to go and it was obvious that all the batsmen in the Aldborough side realised this was a day to play second fiddle to Allan and look to get him on strike as much as possible.

Plumb looked in good touch and started this trend, but was out to a fluke deflection off Flett's foot from a booming Allan drive which ran him out. Plumb went to the pavilion and Flett eventually to the hospital.

Reeve, Bacon, Nicholls, Saunders, Barnard, Allan and Board all came and went. But all batted intelligently and looked to give Allan the chance to dominate.

Despite difficult batting conditions, domination was the right-hander's want. He moved past the 50 mark with nonchalance and maintained the team scoring rate of around six per over with selective boundaries. Although giving a couple of chances he was never phased and moved past his third league century of the season with no signs of nerves in the nineties.

As the overs were being used up he accelerated through his next 44 runs and reached 150 with a huge six to beat his previous career best of 149 earlier in the month.

Eventually, tired yet extremely happy, he was able to walk in with 155 not out next to his name and the team score on a very good 238-8.

In reply the in form Michael Board and Paul Reeve immediately put the visitors on the back foot.

Board throughout his spell bowled with great pace and accuracy and the Rollesby players were literally unable to hit him. They fell to 9-3 when Reeve picked up two and Ben Plumb ran out the dangerous Chaney first ball.

At this stage it was apparent the game was over. Reeve sensing a chance for another big haul was ruthless. With Board building pressure at one Reeve was able to attack.

Wickets began to fall and Board deservedly picked up one. At the other end Nicholls caught a phenomenal catch at slip when the ball was travelling very quickly at his head. Allan snapped a couple more and Reeve cut through the Rollesby team.

At 39-9 Rollesby managed to avoid their record low score but that joy was short lived when the impressive Henry Sayer took a superb catch at cover diving full length to a full blooded drive. This gave Reeve his seventh wicket and figures of 11.3-3-16-7.

The victory highlighted by two individual efforts was testimony to intelligent and calm cricket by Aldborough.

All 11 players contributed however there was only one Knights Sporting Ltd man of the match, and that was Troy Allan.