Cam 1st XI 173-6 beat Aston Ingham 1st XI 172-10 by 4 wickets

CAM continued their blistering start to the season with a comfortable away win at second-placed Aston Ingham, writes George Dolling.

On what was a scorching day with unrelenting heat, Cam were asked to field first. Despite the early toil from opening bowlers George Dolling and Ryan Western, it was a calamitous mix-up that brought about the first wicket, as a misjudged single allowed Ryan Malpass to sweep in and run out Loade for 13.

Charlie Viney and Pete Hall did a sterling job in keeping the scoring rate down during the middle overs as they patiently probed away before reaping the rewards. Viney had Henson caught behind by Jake Dolbear before he bowled Dulson as the home side grew increasingly frustrated by the lack of scoring opportunities.

Hall collected a deserved wicket as a top edge was safely caught by Ryan Western to leave Aston Ingham struggling on 75-4 after 26 overs. However, opening batsman Waspe (60) remained at the crease and looked poised to increase the tempo until he was smartly stumped by Dolbear as he whipped the bails off to give Alex Ballard his first wicket. Two balls later and Cam were celebrating again as a simple catch by Dolling saw the home side slump further to 97-6.

A partnership of 52 by Carpenter (20) and O’Neill (31) saw the batting side gain a foothold back in the game before Ballard trapped the latter LBW. Western returned to the attack and duly collected a double wicket maiden as he clean bowled Carpenter and Linney with consecutive balls. The innings was brought to an early close in the next over as Ballard collected his fourth wicket thanks to a catch by Malpass at mid-on.

Cam began their chase of 173 confidently on what was still a good pitch for batting. Hall (19) was first to depart as he was bowled to a swinging delivery from the dangerous Carpenter. The bowler also accounted for Jim Seal and Malpass both for 11 as Cam reached 57-3 after 10 overs.

Dolbear and Ballard then combined to form a patient partnership to take Cam towards the hundred mark before Dolbear (22) edged to slip off the bowling of Waspe. Ed Paddock, playing his first game of the season, entered the crease and looked assured as he deposited Waspe for an enormous six before departing for 17.

By this point, Ballard, who had been increasing his scoring rate throughout the innings, decided to provide some power hitting of his own as he regularly cleared the boundaries in striking six sixes including three in an over off Dulson. Adam Holloway struck a six of his own but was caught with just one required, leaving Ballard to collect the winning run as he finished unbeaten on 62 from 55 balls as Cam reached their target with 17.5 overs remaining.