Crosthwaite guides Llamas to victory at Sutton

The Llamas lost the toss and found themselves fielding first on another scorching hot day. The three seamers Richard Stevens, Tom Massey and Jacob McLouglin all bowled tightly and took a wicket each as the score reached 46/3 in the 12th over.

An attritional period followed as Sutton attempted to rebuild, while the Llamas continued to bowl and field well. Eventually the pressure told and from 146/4, Sutton were bowled out for 199 in 48. McLoughlin continued his fine form with 4 wickets while Massey, Stevens and Michael Munday took 2 a-piece. The fielding was again good as Ed Fluck took two catches at backward point and wicket-keeper James Crosthwaite took 4 catches and a stumping.

Sutton would rely primarily on spin in an attempt to defend their total on a dry pitch that was increasingly offering assistance to the spinners.

Openers Richie Oliver and Sam Hall were dismissed cheaply bringing together James Crosthwaite and Alex Ross. Crosthwaite had made 52 the previous week against Sunbury and would again show his class. Partnerships of 48 with Ross (21) and 42 with Ed Fluck (16) would set the game up, but it was the partnership of 62 with Andy Delmont (44*) that would secure the victory. Crosthwaite looked set for a maiden century for the club until a top-edged sweep saw him dismissed for 90, made from only 95 balls. His positive stroke-play against the turning ball was the key difference between the two sides.

The Llamas remain in 3rd place after this win with the top of the table not yet out of sight with 3 matches remaining.