North Runcton return to the top of the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division

North Runcton turned up the heat with maximum points to return to the top of the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division table.

In scorching temperatures, the West Norfolk outfit bounced back from defeat the previous week with an emphatic nine-wicket success at home to Diss.

Jack Major, making his debut as opener in the absence of Rawlings, was most impressive with an unbeaten 86 off 88 balls as North Runcton coasted to their victory target of 132.

After losing his opening partner Christoffels with the score on 17, Major and Mark Skipper saw Runcton home in the 25th over.

It was Major’s first Premier League 50 and well deserved. He elegantly punished the Diss attack to all parts of the ground.

Earlier, Diss got off to the worst possible start to their innings when Ben Coote clean-bowled Williamson first ball.

This was the first of four wickets for the Runcton captain, who also claimed the other opener Brawn for a duck.

In addition, a remarkable long distance throw from Coote led to the wicket of Diss top scorer Swallow, run-out for 30.

Tom Tansley, deputising behind the stumps, was very tidy with no byes and three catches.

Other wicket takers were Christoffels with 1-25, Josh Ring with 2-8 off six overs and 2-37 for Brown & Co man-of-the-match Major as Diss were dismissed for 131.

Credit to Michael Annakin who, in his full ten overs, was the only Runcton bowler to not bowl a wide.

Fakenham, who had leap-frogged Runcton into top spot last week, were beaten at Stow, as reported in Tuesday’s Lynn News.

Norfolk Alliance

Division Five

Norwich 187

lost to Denver 197

by 10 runs

In perfect cricketing weather, Denver batted first, losing three early wickets with 46 on the board.

Downham Home & Garden MoM Paul Morton, returning to form, built an excellent innings of 61, which included eight fours and a six, while Callum Robinson hit a late 23 to take the Denver total to 197 all out.

In reply, Norwich lost an early wicket before S. Brister and O. Dwyer combined for an excellent second-wicket partnership of 80.

The game looked to be heading Norwich’s way until Dan Harper returned into the attack, taking three wickets in two overs with only one run being added to the score.

K. McLean made another bid to swing the game back Norwich’s way and, with 11 needed from the last two overs and with one wicket left, the game was finally balanced.

An excellent run-out from James Harper from the last ball of the penultimate over saw Denver take the points and win the game.

At the halfway point of the season, Denver’s promotion campaign is still well on course.

Saturday’s victory saw them gain three points on leaders Sandringham while putting a further point between themselves and third-placed Old Catton.