FOOTBALLER Robbie Matthews weaved his magic on the cricket field for home team Amesbury as they claimed their fourth consecutive victory in County Division Four (north).

The former Salisbury City striker, pictured, now at Gosport Borough, put in an all-round star performance in his first league match to see off Crown Taverners Cricket Club by 117 runs at Bonnymead Park.

Batting first, Amesbury made a good start with opening bats Jayme Underwood (24) and Adi Berry (25) looking comfortable against the accurate bowling attack of Richard Young (4-45) and Jonathon Comfort junior (1-41) putting on 34 for the first wicket.

Matthews, who got married two weeks ago, arrived at the crease when it was 79 for 3. Lee Gostellow and returning skipper Dale Gower could not provide support for Matthews but he continued to push the score along at a steady pace. At 88 for 5, James Higton joined Matthews and both started to attack the Crown Taverners second pair of Rob Hodgkinson (3- 34) and Jerry Comfort senior (2-36).

Matthews amassed a half century with a beautifully timed four, looking more and more unbeatable.

When Higton (33) was brilliantly caught deep in the covers, the pair had enjoyed a partnership of 91, and taken the Amesbury score to 179 for 6. After Surenden went for one from Knowles, Taverners bought Young back into the attack where he successfully bowled the last three Amesbury batsmen for 10 runs.

Amesbury finished on 204 all out, with Matthews 80 (not out) and Young the pick of the bowlers for Taverners.

Following tea, Crown Taverners found themselves one for two after the first three overs of play, Surenden (2-6) quickly claiming the wicket of opener Paul Emmerson and then Comfort Junior was run out for a duck after a direct hit from a brilliant piece of fielding from Gostellow. Youth bowler Mac Atkinson (2- 21) claimed his first wicket after Nick Overend (6) was caught following the double act of wicket keeper Berry and finally Higton at first slip. Crown Taverners were now seven for three.

Atkinson claimed his second with the wicket of Jeremy Page following a great overhead catch by Chris White. After eight overs, Matthews and Tony Gower (2-29) were first change bowlers.

Matthews bowled beautifully for his six overs, ending up with figures of 1 for 2 off 6 overs including four maidens.