HARRY Clarke’s century propelled Norton Lindsey CC to a dramatic 13-run victory against Kineton 2nds.
Opener Clarke starred with the bat and hit 18 boundaries en route to a century as Norton posted 271 all out at Wolverton Road.
And Kineton looked well-placed to chase down the total as Ricardo Rebelo and Nick Briggs both scored half-centuries in the away side’s top order.
However, only three other Kineton batters reached double figures as a late burst from Tom Wilcox and Andrew Dellow secured a narrow victory for the home side.
The result means Norton Lindsey sit second on the Cotswold Hills League First Division table.
Norton won the toss and elected to bat as Clarke (105 not out) and Joe Williamson (26) put on 54 runs for the first wicket.
Thomas Falkingham (1-39) eventually made the breakthrough before Simba Mudimo (9) and Wilcox (5) departed cheaply to the bowling of Steven Dawber (2-30).
Clarke found support at the crease from Matthew Edwards (31) as the pair combined for a 78-run fourth-wicket stand.
However, Clarke eventually fell as Lee Riley (4-55) bowled the Norton opener who had already reached a century.
Both Dellow (20) and Mati Mafuwa (21) added useful runs to push Norton’s total to 271 all out as Josh Windebank (2-35) took a couple of late wickets for Kineton.
In reply, Kineton opener Briggs (63) and Rebelo (77) punished the Norton attack in a strong second-wicket partnership after Steven Bliwert (1-37) accounted for Cormac Thompson (0).
However, Mudimo (2-44) turned the game in Norton’s favour when he had Briggs stumped and ran out Rebelo to break up the partnership.
And Wilcox (3-20) ran out Elliott Ferris (23) before taking the crucial wicket of Fraser Lindsay (25) which sparked a Kineton collapse.
Wilcox and Dellow (2-24) combined to clean up the Kineton tail with the visitors all out for 258 in 43.1 overs as Norton claimed a 13-run victory.
Elsewhere, Norton’s second XI secured a 27-run victory away at Kenilworth 3rds at Harbury Rugby Club.
Norton won the toss and elected to bat only to lose opener Mark White (0) to a two-ball duck while Malcolm Henchley (0) soon followed as the visitors slipped to 1-2.
However, Jake Rushton (84) and Toby White (76) combined for a 165-run third-wicket stand as the pair recorded a collective 26 boundaries.
And Aryan Khosla (19 not out) added useful runs while 18 extras helped Norton close on 203-5 at the end of their 50 overs.
Kenilworth made a strong start in reply as openers Dhruv Vyas (77) and Sam Leach (36) put on 72 runs for the first wicket.
Steve Dellow (1-30) removed Leach to break up the partnership while only two of Kenilworth’s remaining batters managed double figures.
And further wickets from T White (3-40), Reichana Roberts (2-47), Martin Hall (1-29) and Steven Webber (1-16) saw Norton restrict Kenilworth to 176-8.
Norton are next in action against Henley-in-Arden on Saturday, July 11 with play to begin at 12.30pm at Henley Sports and Social Club.
