Napton’s first away game of the season resulted in a low-scoring match that wasn’t decided until the very last over.
It was a competitively-contested game that, despite the dearth of runs, produced engaging cricket from both sides.

Captain Sam won the toss and elected for Napton to bat first.
Stuart and Joe batted patiently against a very proficient attack.
Tom was ably supported by James C for 10 entertaining overs which gave Tom a chance to open his shoulders to crack a couple of sixes; until an attempt at another fell a yard short of the boundary into a safe pair of mitts.
Napton completed their allocated overs with Olly and Graham ‘Not Out’.
124-5 after 40 overs
Tom Hancock 37 runs 4 boundaries inc 2 sixes
Joe Alsop 29 runs 4 boundaries
Stuart Alsop 10 runs
Olly O’Brien 10 runs ‘Not Out’
22 extras

With only slightly above 3 runs per over required the home-team might have expected to complete their task with overs to spare.
However, Greg and Stuart skittled both of Stoneleigh’s openers in the first 3 overs.
Batsmen Nos. 3 & 4 dug-in and chipped away at the total, but economical bowling from all six of the bowlers in Napton’s attack, with a faultless fielding display, kept the game in the balance over after over.
Young James P continues to mature in his style with the home team finding it difficult to put him away. JP and Sam didn’t give anything away either
Sam brought on Stuart for his second spell in the 33rd over.
In the 35th Stuart out-paced half-century batsman No 3 and clipped his off-stump.
107 -3. 18 runs required with 30 balls.
Tight, accurate bowling by Tom and Stuart kept the result in the balance until the last over with Stoneleigh eventually taking the honours.
129-3 after 39.2 overs.

Napton have struggled for runs in their three games this season, but in each match their attack, with committed fielding, has more than made up.
Graham must have felt happy with his first game behind the sticks this season --- just 3 byes.
Once the batters have settled in, Napton will be back in full-swing. Continued:
Wicket takers
Stuart Alsop 8 overs 3 maidens inc. a wicket maiden 2-12
Greg Tuckley 8 overs 1 maiden 1-23