Heavy defeat was reality check for seconds

MID-TABLE Dunstall brought Uttoxeter seconds crashing back down to earth with a seven-wicket victory, achieved with more than 20 overs to spare.

Dunstall made light work of Uttoxeter's 146-run target to dampen any optimism created by the previous week's opening win of the season.

The seconds were under the cosh early on after losing a brace of wickets with just four runs on the board.

Ben Cresswell failed to score before sending a catch to George Ecclestone off Neil Roobottom. Thomas Richards (2) fared only slightly better and was the first of Ben Watkiss's two victims.

Jim Malkin (10) and Richard Griffiths (13) both found boundaries but, at 39-5, the visitors were in serious trouble. Liam Brookes and Luke Bull led the fight-back with a sixth-wicket stand of 61. Brookes eventually fell for 31, stumped by Roy Bishop.

Bull continued to find runs but was unable to forge another noteworthy partnership before he was bowled by James Frankland to end the Uttoxeter innings on 146 all out.

Hopes of an unlikely victory almost disappeared when Dunstall openers Charlie Tomlinson and Roy Bishop put on 50 for the first wicket.

Steve Cooper (2-33) and Richard Stewart (1-23) did enjoy a modicum of success with ball in hand.

But Eddie Kay (49no) and Ben McLeod (33no) safely saw the home side over the finishing line.