SAHAM hosted second-place Saxlingham on Saturday looking to build on the previous week's victory at Swardeston and despite changes they gained a comfortable 115-run win which showed the depth of their new squad.

SAHAM hosted second-place Saxlingham on Saturday looking to build on the previous week's victory at Swardeston and despite changes they gained a comfortable 115-run win which showed the depth of their new squad.

Asked to bat first on what looked a excellent batting track Saham started brightly, adding 53 before the loss of the first wicket, Dale Sims fell for 20 as he was moved to the top of the order, after impressing in recent weeks.

Adi Wood (26) went shortly after. Skipper Simon Mower (12) then went cheaply to leave Saham 82 for 3. Matthew Thomas showed his experience as he and Justin Marshall went about shoring up the innings with a partnership of 74 before Marshall went for 28.

With Thomas looking well set, Simon Pitkethly entered the picture and set about the visiting bowling attack with some inventive stroke play.

With the pair of them in full flow, they put together a unbeaten partnership of 113 in 15 overs to leave Saham on 269 for 4. Thomas finished on 93 and Pitkethly on 52 at over a run a ball.

After tea Saham knew they had to apply some pressure early doors as the target was gettable on this track.

New-ball pairing of Ben Smart and Pitkethly gave Saham a perfect blend of aggression and control.

Ben Smart made the early breakthrough, removing both openers with brother Will Smart catching both excellently in the gully.

Pitkethly added a wicket to complete a good personal day as Saxlingham were reeling at 14 for 3.

Ben Smart (3-17) removed one more before taking a well-earned break. Perry Sims came on and bowled his quota straight through and added to his own wicket haul by taking 4-56 in a excellent spell.

Young quicks Will Smart and Joe Norman bowled well and Saxlingham were dismissed for 154 inside 35 overs.

Norman picked up the last two wickets in two balls, an excellent all-round display.

Skipper Simon Mower said: 'This is the best squad of players I have ever had.

'We have no overseas, just a bunch of lads wanting to play for the club. We have gelled quickly and there is a fresh new look about the side. Just hope I can stay in it!'

Saham visit Garboldisham next Saturday and on Sunday they play hosts to Cromer and Lowestoft in a 20/20 day.

Bank Holiday Monday Saham host touring side Journey Men (1pm).

Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 Saham also host Norfolk U11 and Norfolk U12, 1pm.

Saham Toney: A Wood c Lacey b Forsdick 26, D Sims c Cudden b Adams 20, M Thomas not out 93, S Mower lbw Forsdick 12, J Marshall c Fisher b Cuddin 28, S Pitkethly not out 52; extras 41. Total (4 wkts) 269. Bowling W Burnell 9-0-53-0, A Lawrence 4-0-21-0, D Adams 12-0-75-1, N Forsdick 8-0-36-2, A Browne 2-0-21-0, B Cuddin 11-0-50-1.

Saxlingham: D Maskell c W Smart b B Smart 2, D Lacey c W Smart b B Smart 0, W Burnell c D Sims b B Smart 22, A Pearson b Pitkethly 0, D Adams lbw P Sims 24, B Cudden c B Smart b P Sims 42, D Rout b P Sims 5, N Forsdick c D Sims b P Sims 15, A Browne c D Sims b Norman 9, A Fisher not out 6, A Lawrence c W Smart b Norman 0; extras 29. Total 154. Bowling: B Smart 7-0-17-3, S Pitkethly 5-0-27-1, P Sims 12-0-56-4, W Smart 6-0-28-0, J Norman 5-0-23-2.