Downham Stow maintain cricket Norfolk Alliance Premier Division pressure on leaders Fakenham with maximum points haul
Downham Stow maintained the pressure on Norfolk Alliance Premier Division leaders Fakenham with a maximum points haul on Saturday.
They were 42-run winners against a visiting Garboldisham side who had started the day level on points with Downham Stow.
Batting first, the hosts lost Freddie Fairey early, but rebuilt with a terrific partnership of 132 between William Denny (85) and Elliot Santner (112).
Denny took the attack to Garboldisham by hitting some lusty blows as his sensational league form in 2022 continued. Hart Farms man of the match Santner batted patiently with his magnificent century the bedrock of Downham Stow’s 272-6.
In reply, Garboldisham lost regular wickets after Ben Wilcox (1-23) picked up opener Jonny Leech in the second over. Addam Todd was the pick of the bowlers, his dangerous off spin removing three opposition batsmen for 32 runs.
The ever consistent Sam Morgan picked up the key wicket of danger man Craig Estlea for 32, while Fairey produced two glorious boundary catches to keep the wickets flowing.
It was left to Otto Esse (2-35) to wrap up the tail, removing last man Robert Fuller leg before with the last ball of the innings as Downham Stow completed the win and gained 25 points.
They now remain in second place, eight points behind leaders Fakenham with five games left to play.
The league leaders recorded a narrow 10-run win against Bradfield at the weekend.
They made 264-8 after batting first with opener John Ewart top-scoring after making 91.
Luke Caswell added 48 and Andrew Lawrence was unbeaten on 41 not out at the end of the 50 overs.
David Coyle then claimed 3-39 while Caswell took 2-25 from 10 overs with Paul Lough also landing two wickets.
Ewart came into the bowling attack late on and took the final wicket to fall, courtesy of a caught and bowled, as Bradfield were dismissed for 254.
Match sponsor: Carpet Tiles Next Day. Match ball sponsor: Pat and Ann Johnson.