New Zealand all-rounder inspires Downham Stow in Norfolk Alliance Premier Division

Elliot Santner – the brother of New Zealand cricket star Mitchell – was the scourge of North Runcton as Downham Stow claimed the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division bragging rights on Saturday.

All-rounder Santner took the game away from North Runcton, who came into the clash unbeaten, with an unbeaten knock of 90 before returning the figures of 6-26 with a dazzling display of leg-spin.

Downham Stow took full advantage of winning the toss and on a hot sunny afternoon.

The host outfit were on the front foot, accumulating runs at ease as they raced to 94 before losing the wicket of Will Denny for 29,

North Runcton's Jack Major claimed the first of two wickets (2-40) with Michael Crisp taking a catch in the deep.

Once again the Runcton bowlers were poor in their direction with 30 wides. Ben Coote bowled a full 10 overs ending 0-46.

The Downham Stow total was also given great impetus from Ian Harrison who made 58 before being caught-behind by George Rawlings, off Kirwin Christoffels.

The same pair contributed to dismiss Findlay Wilcox for a hard-hitting 33.

Christoffels (2-47) Michael Annakin (2-39), Will Lankfer (1-51) and Ben Skipper (0-51) all tried with the ball for North Runcton with the home side posting a formidable 278-7 in their 50 overs.

In reply, Runcton were never allowed to take the game to the home team and were never anywhere near the required run rate.

Stow wicketkeeper George Cook sat up to the stumps to all of his bowlers and with relatively deep fields the visitors were made to struggle.

Ian Harrison and Adam Todd were difficult to get away and it forced the batsmen to take chances.

A quick single led to Michael Crisp being run-out for just two with the score at seven for one off 6.1 overs such was the slow ability to score.

Kirwin Christoffels and Mark Skipper did add more momentum before the opener was arguably run-out by wicketkeeper Cook when he hit one and set off for a run.

Cook, acting quickly, took the bails off and Runcton’s most consistent performer was gone for 27 to leave them on 45-2 off the last ball of the 13th over.

The scorers assumed it was a stumping to the credit of Cook and bowler Joe Moss.

It got no better with the introduction of Santner as the Northern Districts leg spinner accounted for Mark Skipper leg-before-w for 29.

George Rawlings, top scorer last week, looked good once again and was joined by captain Ben Coote.

With the visitors well behind the clock Coote tried to lift one over the infield from Jamie Cook, but sent a tame catch to Tom Davey.

Tom Tansley struck a couple of fours before he was caught-and-bowled by Santner for nine.

In the same over Harry Lankfer and Ben Skipper were both leg-before-wicket and the Kiwi's next over he bowled Jack Major during a wicket-maiden.

Rawlings, meanwhile, had remained at the crease throughout but he was another Santner victim in his next over caught-behind for 30 with the score 119-9.

A little pride was restored by Will Lankfer who played some decent strokes making 25 including four belligerent fours off Adam Todd.

However, he ran himself out and ended a poor day for Runcton who were dismissed for 141.

Elliot Santner (6-27), Jamie Cook (1-34), Joe Moss (1-23).