WITH a cold north wind Watton CC faced Martham away and hoped for a victory to return them to winning ways.This was after the previous week's 10-wicket drubbing at home by Norwich Bystanders (excellent batting by debutants Sachin 50 and Ashutosh 49) reaching Watton's 119 target after 35 overs.

WITH a cold north wind Watton CC faced Martham away and hoped for a victory to return them to winning ways.

This was after the previous week's 10-wicket drubbing at home by Norwich Bystanders (excellent batting by debutants Sachin 50 and Ashutosh 49) reaching Watton's 119 target after 35 overs.

Without a home game in four weeks Martham provided an excellent batting wicket, although the outfield was more akin to Mousehold Heath.

The Martham openers showed great class, seeing off Watton's opening bowlers and it was only when Dicksy delivered a ball short of a length that did not rise as high as M Beckett (57) was expecting did Martham's first wicket fall - at which time they had reached 111.

The captain, realising pace was not the way forward, took himself off and brought on the young Will Oakey returning to fitness after an operation.

This showed good foresight as J Whatmough (46) slashed at Oakey's third ball that went over the wicket keeper's head to be caught by Dicksy in the slips.

W Oakey continued to take wickets on a tough bowling surface to end with figures of four wickets for 55 runs off 12 overs.

Unfortunately for Watton A Sayer had not read the script and although wickets fell around him he managed to put on 59 guiding Martham to an excellent 242-9.

With a mountain to climb, Watton needed to bat carefully but with four overs gone they were two down for 16 runs.

Wickets fell quickly and with Watton 52 for five the game looked almost lost, as up stepped their opening bowler Gavin Norman.

With his maiden 50 scored two weeks ago aiding the win against Great Yarmouth, he managed to score a terrific 80 not out (11 fours, one six) bringing Watton to 167 after 35 overs (exactly the same as Martham but for the loss of only six wickets).

The tenth-wicket partnership put on an unbelievable 73, looking good until Martham's opening bowler Randell removed Billy's stumps.

Watton have a week to gather their thoughts for a tough home against Drayton next Saturday.