Mellis feel right at home

MELLIS celebrated their first game on their new ground on the Thornham Estate, with a win over Withersfield.Having played all of the first half of the season on opposition grounds and with all the remaining games at Thornham, the club can look forward to many enjoyable times at their new home.

MELLIS celebrated their first game on their new ground on the Thornham Estate, with a win over Withersfield.

Having played all of the first half of the season on opposition grounds and with all the remaining games at Thornham, the club can look forward to many enjoyable times at their new home.

Withersfield decided to bat and started at a good rate with 52 on the board off 10 overs.

The early introduction of leg spinner David Williamson, however, proved a wise move when he bowled dangerman Goldsmith round his legs for 34.

A further four wickets then fell for the addition of only 12 runs.

Despite stubborn resistance from the Withersfield lower order, wickets were taken at regular intervals and they were dismissed for 133 with five overs of their allocated 40 still remaining.

David Williamson had the best figures with 3-25 and Keith Greenwood took 3-33, both off 10 overs.

Mellis appeared to be in with a good chance of winning against a depleted Withersfield team.

The Mellis reply though didn't get off to a good start with a wicket falling at 17.

Chris Farrant and Tim Courridge, however, with a stand of 82 put Mellis well in control.

Then although Courridge was bowled for a useful 26 Farrant, showing his true form at last, saw Mellis through to victory with an unbeaten 86, and with 14 overs still remaining.

The final scores were Withersfield 133, Mellis 134-3.