GODMANCHESTER slumped to their seventh defeat in nine matches despite recording their third highest East Anglian Premier League total of the season at Swardeston. Three forced changes saw some younger players in the visiting line-up, but it was Swardeston

GODMANCHESTER slumped to their seventh defeat in nine matches despite recording their third highest East Anglian Premier League total of the season at Swardeston.

Three forced changes saw some younger players in the visiting line-up, but it was Swardeston's own young superstar who stole the show.

Sixteen-year-old Rob Newton blasted his maiden EAPL century in just 78 balls as Godmanchester toiled in the field having put the home side into bat.

Elliot Baldwin (2-51) aside, Goddy's bowling attack struggled with their other three front line bowlers conceding 246 for only one wicket.

Brilliant fielding from Godmanchester's Adam Cousins saw him run out opener Matt Kelly for just seven and, with Baldwin claiming the wicket of fellow opener Will Rist, Goddy made a good start.

However a third wicket stand of 102 by Richard Sims (69) and Jaden Hatwell (78) followed by Newton's 100 not out tore the visitors' bowling attack to shreds.

Swardeston declared on 317 for four to leave Godmanchester with a huge mountain to climb.

Frailty at the top of the batting order again reared its head with the first four visiting batsmen contributing just 39 runs between them.

Craig Park (73), Alex Mutucumarana (31) and Paul Swannell (48) all contributed their best EAPL scores of the season as Godmanchester kept up with the asking rate but when Swannell was out looking for a tenth boundary to reach his half century, an unlikely draw seemed Godmanchester's only hope.

The visitors lasted for 15 of the 27 overs needed but Park's unlucky stumping when he overbalanced signalled the end and the tail quickly followed.

Despite the visitors scoring more in boundaries than the home side, Godmanchester still fell to defeat by 84 runs to ensure they remain second bottom of the EAPL.