On a blisteringly hot afternoon, league leaders Happisburgh welcomed Great Melton B, the only team to beat them so far. The Melton side was almost unrecognisable from the one that beat Happisburgh in the first game of the season and the north Norfolk side had key bowlers Kelly and Huckle unavailable.

On a blisteringly hot afternoon, league leaders Happisburgh welcomed Great Melton B, the only team to beat them so far.

The Melton side was almost unrecognisable from the one that beat Happisburgh in the first game of the season and the north Norfolk side had key bowlers Kelly and Huckle unavailable.

For the first time this season, Happisbugh captain Wilson lost the toss and, considering the heat, the Melton captain made the surprise decision to bowl first.

It all started well for the visitors, with Happisburgh losing Blanch and Allen quickly, and at 19 for two a big score looked a long way off, but Happisburgh all-rounder Wayne Catchpole had other ideas.

His 68 was made in quick time and with plenty of big hitting, ably supported by Dennis (16) and Andrews with a well-measured 44.

D Jeary hit a cameo 25 and with extras reaching 44, Happisburgh finished on a formidable 226 for seven.

Unusually for Happisburgh, the bowling performance started badly.

With Howe struggling with an injury, he was replaced after his two overs had been severely dealt with.

With few options available, skipper Wilson took the new(ish) ball.

He immediately found success, having the dangerous looking Loines caught at slip for 30, before taking three more quick wickets, and with Catchpole finding his stride, wickets kept falling.

Melton looked done for at 130 for seven, but a partnership between opening bat Lachyowz and Hayward began to worry the Happisburgh fielders.

With the score around 200, Wilson returned and took his fourth and vital wicket of Lachyowz for a superb 84, but the score continued to creep up.

The injured Howe returned and took the last two wickets, with three overs remaining and 20 required.

A brilliant, hard-fought game in which everyone played a part, and one in which the Happisburgh players were glad to come out on the right side.