STRADBROKE Academy played their last warm-up before embarking on their league fixtures, losing to Mellis by four wickets. Openers Richard Pierce-Saunderson (52) and Tom Smith (12) put on 72 in a calm manner.

STRADBROKE Academy played their last warm-up before embarking on their league fixtures, losing to Mellis by four wickets.

Openers Richard Pierce-Saunderson (52) and Tom Smith (12) put on 72 in a calm manner.

Short of a team, Stradbroke lent Mellis three players. Showing scant regard for their employers, each took a wicket.

It needed a brisk stand from Chris Bacon (19 not out) and James Webster (12 not out) to hoist the score to 153.

In reply, D Stringer (22) looked threatening, but it was loanee Owen Morgan who caught the eye. He was a young man on a mission, hitting hard, running hard, before retiring on 51, leaving young Liam Fairweather (18 not out) to see the visitors home.

Stradbroke Academy 153 for six (R Pierce-Saunderson 52 not out) Mellis Academy 154 for six (O Morgan 51 not out).