THE Champagne is still on ice for Great Melton's Sunday side after a rare home defeat by four wickets against a strong North Runcton side.Melton nevertheless can clinch promotion to the Shield Premier League with victory over Fakenham on Sunday.

THE Champagne is still on ice for Great Melton's Sunday side after a rare home defeat by four wickets against a strong North Runcton side.

Melton nevertheless can clinch promotion to the Shield Premier League with victory over Fakenham on Sunday.

Great Melton opted to bat first and Jonny and Alex Cooper seemed to vindicate the decision by dealing in early boundaries.

Jonny was the first man out, nicking off for 15 with the score 29-1 from 7 overs. Skipper Lee Whiddett (5) went soon after, caught at slip, but Alex continued to play well and, joined by in-form Marcus Godbold (16), they looked to lay the foundation. Run scoring wasn't easy though, in the face of some excellent bowling and fielding.

Alex went for a well-made 46 and Godbold was bowled soon after. Josh Wilson made 15 but at 117-5 from 30 overs Melton were some way below par. It was left to Aussie Justin Stephenson and Daryl Godbold (15) to play some fine strokes to get the score up.

Stephenson played well in making 48 not out, and 177-8 was a decent effort in the end.

Jonny Cooper then came steaming in from one end and with Stephenson (1-28) keeping it tight at the other end Melton bowled themselves into the game.

Alex Cooper came on and removed Forder (29) and Clint Berkenshaw (17) to leave the visitors struggling at 66-4 from 20 overs. However, A Barrat (57no) came in and bludgeoned 20 from one Alex Cooper (3-45) and this proved a turning point. His partnership with B Coote (25) took the game away from Melton and ultimately the visitors got home with 10 balls to spare and four wickets left.