The First XI made the trip to Postwick to play Norwich CC, looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The hosts won the toss and elected to bat. With four spinners in the side, it was a novel sight to see spin opening from both ends.
Liam Riseborough was miserly as ever, bowling four maidens in a row in his first four overs and only going for 12 runs in his nine overs. The returning James Hardy, opening from the other end picked up 3-39. Will Allen was equally impressive chipping in with 2-19 off his set and young Louis Miller, making his first team debut, bowled nicely, too.
Norwich’s total of 146-9 reflected another tidy bowling performance. In reply, Tom Brett (41) and Will Hollis (56) broke the back of the chase after an early wicket, with the target reached in under 27 overs with four wickets down.
At Salle, the Second XI were in search of their first win of the season hosting Swaffham. Batting first, it was a real team effort to post their highest total of the season with 252-8 – Harry Brown (62), Jo Kerkham (41), Paul Harwood (37), Sam Smith (34) and a cameo from Gary Hinchliffe (28no) with the bulk of the runs.
With short boundaries and a great batting track at Salle, the target was gettable for the visitors. However, despite a strong start, Swaffham couldn’t quite chase the total down, coming up 10 runs short with four wickets in hand.
Two wickets apiece for Des Curry (2-58) and Nathan Raines (2-34) and some tight bowling from skipper Gary Hinchliffe (1-34) got the Seconds over the line despite a tight finish for a much needed victory.
In midweek, the over 40s hosted a strong Norwich side (including a surprisingly cheery Chris Sutton with the football season coming to a close). In an entertaining match, nearly 400 runs were scored in 40 overs.
Unfortunately, Norwich’s 224-4 was too much for us to chase, reaching a respectable 172-5 with unbeaten 30s for Daves’ Henry and Loxton, Jo Kerkham and Jonny Bundock. The less said about the bowling figures the better.
A good week for the churches with great weather. More cricket to come this week too.
Toby Armiger