Picture: B Anthony

The eagerly anticipated A46 Derby clash between Flintham and Balderton was a tight game.

Balderton won by nine runs – giving them 20 points – as Flintham failed to capitalize on an early strong position.

This was the first ever match in Division A in the South Notts Cricket League between two sides connected by the A46 road.

Balderton opened the batting at Flintham’s The Gardens ground.

Their “star” batter VJ Sobhana was quickly dismissed by Flintham debutant Max Pritchard.

Max is Australian and Flintham’s registered Overseas Player.

He is spending the summer with Flintham.

Balderton skipper Ryan Charlesworth steadied the boat with a patient knock of 56 from 97 balls.

Meanwhile, Flintham chipped away at the middle order and dismissed the visitors for 186 runs in 43 overs.

Pritchard took four wickets and Matthew Isherwood picked up three for 42.

A disappointing twenty-six extras were conceded.

Flintham started well and looked on course for the first win of the season.

But a solid 138 for four soon melted away as they lost four wickets for six runs.

A sterling knock of 92 by Spencer Taylor – giving Flintham sight of the winning post – ended with a catch on the boundary.

With only ten runs needed to win, Flintham’s final wicket – and hopes of victory – were shattered as captain Max Danby fell to a classic yorker from Aaron Charlesworth.

After the game Max said:

“It was a tough result to take, falling short by just nine runs, but there were plenty of positives both on and off the field.

“A great knock from Spencer kept us in the game and showed real grit.

“It was fantastic to see our two debutants, Max Shelton and Max Pritchard making strong starts to their journeys with the team.

“The energy was spot on, and we’re already looking forward to next week.”

Flintham picked up six points.