With Harry Collins still away on overseas duties Melbourne captain Oliver Steels won the toss and put North Duffield in to bat on a hot humid afternoon at Duffield. The fourth over of the innings saw Ben Thompson bowling against James Knibb. Steels who was also standing in as keeper for Matt Beevers who had strained his back the previous week took a catch to see Knibb dismissed for 4. Thompson took the wicket of Duffields dangerman Paul Johnson[14] in the 6th over when he had him lbw and then went on to bowl Jamie Pickles [1] in the 8th over to have Duffield panicking on 30-3. Brian Underwood replaced Scott Coupland in the 11th over and picked up 2 wickets in his second over - Stearman [2] who was caught by James Coupland and Carline [0] who he clean bowled to put Duffield on 52-5. Buckley and Moore looked like they may be Duffields saving grace but Buckley was caught by Thompson off the bowling of Underwood in the 19th over after making a good 23. The following 3 overs saw Thompson take 2 more wickets as he bowled both Craig and John Patrick and Underwood bowled Moore [4]. Thomspon took his 6th wicket of the day when he bowled Kelly [2] in the 24th over to close the Duffield innings on 69. N Taylor finished on 6*
Melbourne bowling: B Thompson 11.3-1-29-6, B Underwood 7-2-14-4, S Coupland 5-0-23-0
In reply James Coupland and Ian Kirby batted sensibly and were only ever really held back by Craig Patrick who bowled tight to restrict one end but made the most of any loose ball from the other end - victory came for Melbourne in the 20th over with Coupland hitting the winning boundary to bring Melbourne a well deserved victory. Coupland finished on 33* and Kirby on 35*.
Duffield bowling: C Patrick 9-5-18-0, J Knibb 6-1-30-0, J Pickles 4-0-21-0, J Stearman 1-1-0-0
Many thanks to the match ball sponsor - Jelf Insurance
Next week sees Melbourne at home against Stockton & Hopgrove