Downham edged out in Norfolk Alliance Premier versus Cromer by six runs in rain-hit game

Norfolk Alliance Premier Division

Downham hosted Cromer on Saturday and were edged out by six runs when, after a rain delayed start, the game was reduced to 35 overs.

Batting first, Cromer made a good start, scoring quickly as the Downham bowlers failed to control the wet ball. Dom Corbett made the breakthrough, having Sutton caught at deep square leg by Porter for 24.

After Town took their second wicket, McIsaac taking a brilliant leg side catch off Coutts, the rain came again with Cromer at 140 for 2.

When the teams took the field once more, the break looked to have revitalised Downham as they took the last eight wickets for just 40 runs.

Rob Hooton was the star with the ball with 3 for 33, whilst a fantastic run out from Yates of the dangerman Turner for 54, got the ball rolling.

Coutts came back to clean up the tail, finishing with figures of 3 for 29.

In reply, Downham made a slow start, reaching just 11 off 8 overs as the Cromer openers bowled testing areas to Harrison (6) and Porter (2).

The run rate started to increase as Yates (36) and Coutts (28) looked to chase down the total. The required rate was now at eight an over and once Coutts was adjudged lbw, it was left to Lanchester to pick up the mantle.

He and Yates scored quickly and put the pressure back on the Cromer bowlers, but Town were left to rue a mix up when Yates was run out.

Town continued to score boundaries and cameos from Ash Corbett and Joss Stuart got Town close to the target but it proved to be just too many as Town were left short.

Town dropped to third in the league and travel to fourth placed Brooke next Saturday.

Shire Foods MoM – Rob Hooton.