SUDBROOK enjoyed a three-run victory at Malpas, thanks to a middle order display which yielded 126 runs from men batting at five, six and seven.

After openers Micky Martin (21) and skipper Ross Lewis (38) had departed, Sudbrook's innings stuttered, losing Matthew Kinchin and Lewis Morgan cheaply before young Joe Voke (pictured) struck six boundaries on his way to making 37, assisted by James Hussey (47) and Kel Stevens (42).

There was a further stutter before Rhys Pescod (25 not out) and Rob Simmonds (31) took them to 267-8.

Malpas openers James Francis and Ryan Ward gave their side a solid start, Ward departing first after making 45, caught behind by Lewis off Rhys Pescod's bowling.

Only two batsmen managed significant scores from then on, Scott Archer bowled by Martin on 31 and skipper Peter Mason made 40 before Hussey claimed his wicket with Morgan's catch.

Malpas ended on 264-7 from their 50 overs, a score boosted by 41 extras.

Norton was the pick of Sudbrook's bowlers with 2-25 from his 10 overs while Pescod also took two wickets at a cost of 45 runs.

Lewis said the victory depended on Malpas' performance rather his own team's showing.

"It was a very satisfying win but in truth it was probably given to us by Malpas," he said.

"We batted pretty well with lots of contributions but nobody really went on to make a substantial total and we were happy with 267.

"We then bowled poorly and dropped a number of catches and conceding 41 extras was very disappointing. That is something we need to work on next week.

"Martin Norton was the pick of our bowlers and Micky Martin bowled his seamers very well at the death.

"It was good that we managed to find a way to win but we need to improve 100 per cent if we want to beat a good Croesyceiliog side on Saturday."