The visitors were soon in trouble when both openers were dismissed by Ian Jelleyman in similar fashion.

On both occasions, Mark Abbott, fielding at mid-off, was on hand to take the catches safely.

At the other end, Clinton Cornwell's miserly spell of conceding just five runs in seven overs kept the pressure firmly on the Bluntisham batsmen.

It was Graham Arnold's introduction into the attack that really turned the match in Fordham's favour.

Bowling slow left arm around the wicket, Arnold bagged 6-17 from 6.4 overs as Bluntisham fell apart. Jelleyman returned with 2-13 from nine overs, Cornwell 1-5 from seven and Jason Harding 1-17.

The hosts made light work of their task with Mark Silcock and Gavin Harding opening up with a 46-run stand in 10 overs.

Harding went for 29 but Silcock was there at the end with 37 not out as Fordham reached their target in 15.2 overs to record a resounding nine-wicket victory.


Witcham v Fordham II

FORDHAM'S IIs lost a tense and controversial match at league leaders Witham by just one wicket with the final over of the match approaching and the last pair at the crease.

Fordham, batting first, made 213-7 with Neil Clark top-scoring with 55. Reece Theobald and Adam Cornwell made 31 apiece, with Scott Blaber weighing in with 30.

Charles Forden took 2-18 off 10 overs in Witcham's reply with Sharp top-scoring with 81.

With the final pair at the crease, the home side still required 30, but they went on to score the required runs with an over to spare, much to Fordham's dismay.


Fordham III v Isleham II

IN THIS derby encounter, both teams fielded a mixture of experience and youth.

Chamila Priyankana and Chris Foulds both made 50 for Fordham, while Ian Woodbridge (32no) and 13-year-old Ryan Clark (20) contributed to Fordham's total of 206-6.

For Isleham, young Will Ellis took an amazing catch deep in the outfield. John Goff top-scored for Isleham and young Dominic Smith impressed with 21 as Isleham were bowled out for 143.

Ian Woodbridge (3-14), young Tom Peters (3-20) and Barry Houghton (2-9) were the main wicket takers in Fordham's 63-run victory, while another youngster, Nick Poole, took two fine catches.