SUTTON'S early season rust was still in evidence on Saturday when they were forced to hang on for a draw against St Marys College at New Street.

The College were given first use of a good wicket and progressed to 50 without loss assisted by another spate of dropped catches.

The hard-working Dave Ashurst and Geoff Bowles then reduced them to 60-4 but Sutton were unable to press home their advantage and the middle order took advantage of some poor bowling to raise the score to 171-8 declared.

On such a good track this was a sporting gesture but Sutton were soon in trouble at 30-2.

A good knock of 29 by Hodgson ended prematurely with a run out and the unlucky Bowles was run out when Hodgson's drive cannoned off the bowler into his stumps.

It was left to Phil Kelly (28) to hold the innings together but after stubborn resistance his dismissal left Sutton no option but to play out time on 121-9 at the close.

The seconds lifted the gloom with a fine win in the return at Hightown.

The College took first strike on a dangerous looking wicket and struggled for runs all afternoon against a keen Sutton side.

Roy Grice showed all his skills with the ball to pick up a six-wicket haul as the home side were bowled out for 147.

Sutton's reply was positive as openers John Lawton (28) and Kieron Barr (48) set up the victory with a splendid stand.

The middle order continued the good work and three thumping boundaries by Dave Fargher sealed a fine four wicket win with five overs to spare.

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