Bircham youngsters hit the opposition for six

Youngsters from Bircham Cricket Club hit the opposition for six to win the inaugural Norfolk Cricket League under-9 softball final.

Bircham defeated Sprowston in the final by 47 runs to take the trophy, which was presented to the winning team by league president Chris Free.

West Norfolk was also represented by Snettisham and with more than 100 children and 200 spectators, the day was a triumph for participants, onlookers and organisers alike.

Horsford took third place as they overcame Hales and Loddon to win by 13 runs, while the fifth-place play-off was a close run thing as Old Buckenham edged past Reepham and Salle by a mere two runs.

Snettisham finished in seventh place as they overwhelmed plucky East Harling to win by 66 runs.

Earlier in the day, it seemed that the weather might be the only winner as heavy morning rain put proceedings in jeopardy.

But a decision was made by organisers to delay the start time to 2pm, and fortunately the rains cleared.

Jason Reynolds, from the Norfolk Cricket Board, then conducted the open draw, and the teams were put in two groups of four.

Bircham topped Group One, followed by Horsford, Reepham and Salle and Snettisham.

Sprowston topped Group Two, followed by Hales and Loddon, Old Buckenham and East Harling.

The competition was run in partnership with the Norfolk Cricket Board, and the Norfolk Cricket League would like to thank Reynolds and his staff for their superb running of the finals day.

Robert Breeze, of the Norfolk Cricket League, organised the group stages, which yielded the finalists after numerous festivals around the county during the summer.

Breeze received valuable assistance from Kieron Tuck of the NCB and Tim Porter of the NCL, and the organisers hope that more clubs will enter next year.

The aim of the competition is to spread cricket among the more recreational clubs in the county.