Diss A start with fine win

DISS A started the Alliance Division Five season with a fine 72-run win against a weakened Topcroft A side on a fine summer Saturday.

After being forced into bat, openers Mark Williamson and Alex Blakely made light work of the Topcroft attack and compiled a fine partnership of 102; Williamson's sizzling 51 included nine fours whilst Blakely made a classy 47.

When both fell in quick succession, Ben Spinks was on hand to steady the ship, nudging the ball around for a smart 22.

Topcroft relied on Holmes' bowling to bear fruit; he ended with outstanding figures of 5-35.

It was Holmes that wiped out Diss' middle order with a mixture of tight lines and some well-held catches, accounting for captain Sean Merrick in the process and leaving Diss struggling on 140-6.

Up stepped Robbie West, cometh the man, cometh the hour. He came to the fore, making a cameo innings of 23 including two glorious fours late on to guide Diss to another batting point and a total score of 179.

Diss struck early when Jody Sparrow sent the crowd into raptures, inducing the edge from opener Davey through to keeping maestro Allen. Wickets continued to fall regularly and despite Dearling making a solid 41, Diss had the bit between their teeth, whittling Topcroft for 107.

Alex Blakely bowled an extremely tight spell of 9-4-12-0 and Robbie West bowled with fire and aggression however the pick of the Diss bowlers were Tom Catalano, who made up for his batting misfortunes with 2-7 and the ever-present Will Ward, who claimed 2-2 wrapping up the tail.

An opening win in such a pleasing manner was just what Diss needed, looking ahead to a tough trip to Brooke next week. Overall, both sides will be pleased that extras were kept at a premium.

Diss A 179 (46 overs), Topcroft A 107 (32.4 overs)