Northeast Valley’s batting depth was highlighted when it beat Albion Elements by more than 120 runs on Saturday.

Valley’s Sam Smith and Jacob Bellamy, batting at 2 & 3, had an impressive hard-hitting display to both retire on 50. Sam hit three 6s to attain his 50 in 60 balls, while Jacob’s 50 came up in 50 balls.

Albion made an early breakthrough, with NEV’s opener being caught behind off Patrick Arnold’s bowling. However, after being 9 for one, NEV’s second wicket did not fall until the total was at 149.

Valley then went on the attack, looking to build on its good start, although this did result in a steady loss of wickets. Hunter Kindley made a quick 21 before being caught and bowled by Matt M as he too looked to push along the total.

Tom Jolly (10 off five balls) and Liam Phipps (12 not out off eight balls) also did their bit to add to Valley’s impressive total of 195 off 29 overs.

Sam Smith returned to hit another 9 runs before being bowled in the last ball of the 29^th over as time ran out.

Albion wicket-keeper Harry Proctor took two catches behind off Patrick’s bowling for him to end up with three wickets for 42 off 6 overs.  Albion’s other wicket taker was Lucas Reid who took two for 19 off 4 overs.

In reply, Albion got off to an unfortunate start with the loss of two early wickets in the first four overs. Tom Pledger showing great sportsmanship by walking after being caught behind by Tom Jolly off Liam Phipps’ bowling.

Albion was reeling at four for 14 when Patrick Arnold and Lucas Reid stepped up to the mark to stymie the loss of wickets. The batted almost right through the innings for Patrick to finish up with 18 not out and Lucas 33 not out; Albion finishing up with 72 runs off the 29 overs.

All of Valley’s eight bowlers ended up with good figures but the wicket takers were Jacob Bellamy (one for 10 off 4), Liam Phipps (one for 14 off 6) and Tim Horton (two for 12 off 7).