Tails and Decca dominate with the bat

Taylor Rothon top-scored with a measured and at times destructive 74 not out, leading Walsham to set a challenging 231 off 40 overs. Ben de Carvalho shared in the batting spoils, with the warm weather helping to loosen the Aussie's shoulders, despatching the left-arm spinner Goulding over the ropes with metronomic regularity.

The innings started well with Liam Bryant and opening partner, the evergreen Neil Baker, moving through the gears on a pitch with significant variation in bounce. A sublime cut from Baker through backward point looked to set the tone for the innings, before a slight discomforted Bryant was first to go trapped in front. Baker followed shortly after lapping one off the legs to square, and with ship rocking, Forbes tried too hard to keep the tempo high - punching one to long-on.

De Carvalho and Rothon then helped themselves to the change bowlers, as the shallowness of the Battisford attack showed through. Both Clubhouse and car park were in the firing line as De Carvalho swung freely. Only an excellent catch at deep mid-wicket halted De Carvalho, but Rothon carried on where he left off. Liam Palmer, returning to the side, proved an excellent foil at the other end, keeping the strike rotating with sharp singles - though at times, the communication between the youngsters was chaotic.

A score over 200 was always looking to be a challenge on the Battisford pitch, and so it proved. Despite some short bowling, particularly from Connor Daly, offering opportunity to score, Battisford were always behind in the chase. Only the captain Skinner looked confident, but encumbered by a back injury sustained in his opening bowling spell, he could not carry the team through.

Joe Bryant settled into a rhythm with his leg-breaks, and Mark Rothon offered his regular Germanic efficiency from the other end - stifling any hopes of an unlikely victory. Cameron Harrington and Palmer came on towards the end of the innings and picked up middle order wickets. Palmer, despite protestation, showed control of pace and held a tough line.

A great team effort, that pulled Walsham back from the poor start to the season.