GREAT Melton's season reached an exciting climax with the annual Patron's XI v President's XI match and it turned out to be a run fest in the sun, as the President's team chased 261 in 40 overs and got there with four balls to spare.

GREAT Melton's season reached an exciting climax with the annual Patron's XI v President's XI match and it turned out to be a run fest in the sun, as the President's team chased 261 in 40 overs and got there with four balls to spare.

With both figureheads, Sir Edward Evans-Loombe and Andy Seeley, unable to attend because of illness, it took a little of the shine off the day but there was a real competitive edge as two teams of Melton players pitted their cricketing wits against each other.

The Patron's team batted first, totalling 261 for seven, thanks to fine knocks from James Dorling (56), George King (19), Martin Bunn (56), George Bunn (39) and Josh Wilson (20). Nick Gristwood (0-16) and Ryan Hayward (0-25) both produced good six-over spells for no reward, with the later bowlers the victims of some big hitting, apart from Marcus Godbold, who took 1-27 from his six overs.

In reply, Jason Whiddett (51) and Tony Alborough (33) enjoyed a century opening stand, despite a fine opening spell by young Daniel Hayward (0-17).

George Bunn (2-24) then dismissed both batsmen, but it brought Lee Whiddett and Marcus Godbold to the crease. Godbold, who survived a big appeal for caught behind off Stuart Holland, went on to score 74 and Whiddett chipped in with a half-century, as Andy Seeley's XI edged towards their target.

There was brief hope for the Patron's team as Whiddett, Godbold and Gristwood all fell towards the end, but Damien Loines and Mally Howard knocked off the runs with four balls to spare.

Great Melton Patron's XI v President's XI

Edward Evans-Loombe's XI: J Dorling lbw Ireland 56, G King b L Whiddett 19, M Bunn c M Godbold b Ireland 56, G Bunn lbw Howard 39 J Wilson b M Godbold 20, D Godbold b Alborough 17, S Holland b Howard 8, S Phoenix not out 7, D Hayward not out 1; extras 38. Total (7 wkts) 261. Bowling: N Gristwood 6-2-16-0, R Hayward 6-1-25-0, L Whiddett 6-0-31-1, C Ducker 5-0-41-0, g Ireland 6-0-64-2, M Godbold 6-0-27-1, M Howard 3-0-28-2, a Alborough 2-0-15-1.

Andy Seeley's XI: J Whiddett st Clarke b G Bunn 51, A Alborough st Clarke b G Bunn 33, L Whiddett lbw D Godbold 53, M Godbold c Dorling b Wilson 74, N Gristwood b D Godbold 5, D Loines not out 1, M Howard not out 2; extras 43. Total (5 wkts) 262. Bowling: L DeSalis 6-1-26-0, D Hayward 5-1-17-0, G Bunn 6-0-24-2, J Wilson 4.2-0-36-1, D Godbold 6-0-35-2, M Bunn 3-0-24-0, S Phoenix 6-0-42-0, S Holland 3-0-29-0.