Spinks stars as Diss win

DISS Mafia started their U17 Junior

Carter Cup campaign with a five-wicket win at Hales.

Captain Jack Bell won the toss and invited Hales to bat on a very warm day.

Diss opening bowlers Alex Blakely and Ben Spinks made a good start, restricting the Hales openers from scoring freely.

In the sixth over, Diss got the crucial break through when Spinks trapped Montague lbw and then proceeded to take four wickets in two overs, including a hat-trick.

This left Hales precariously placed on 20-4 and struggling, but importantly they still had opener Anderson at the crease.

Captain Bell brought himself into the attack along with Barnaby Chenery and Bell was rewarded with the wicket of Minns.

After drinks, Blakely was re-introduced to the attack and got the key wicket of opener Anderson, well caught by Dam Williman for a well-made 60.

This left Diss to clear up the tail despite resistance from Ayre, who was eventually bowled by Lewis Brawn for 18. Ben Goldsmith also bowled tightly towards the end, leaving Diss to chase 152 for victory.

Diss openers Spinks and Kirkby got off to a steady start but in the fourth over Kirkby left a delivery that came slightly back in and bowled him for two. Dan Williman joined Spinks as they looked to up the rate before Williman was unluckily caught for nine.

Will Crosland came to the crease in typically aggressive fashion and contributed a well-made 22 before falling

to the spin of Montague (2-34).

This brought Alex Blakely to the crease who together with Spinks got Diss to within touching distance of victory, before the latter fell for a swashbuckling 59 which included a huge six from a free hit.

In the attempt to secure a quick

victory, Jamie Allen edged behind for a

six-ball duck.

However, Diss were not to be denied victory and Blakely finished the game with a huge six to finish 29 not out, with Marcus Wyatt 0 not out. MoM: Ben Spinks (59 runs and 5-27). Hales 151 all out (32.3 overs), Diss Mafia 156-5 (27.1 overs).