Super Swaffham retain Sunday crown
Swaffham have retained their Mid-Norfolk Sunday Cricket League crown after making it back-to-back titles in the Shield Premier Division.
Throughout the season it had been a close-fought battle between Swaffham, last season’s champions, and Ashmanhaugh & Barton Wanderers.
That was in spite of a strong late surge by Swardeston CEYMS.
The standout performers for Swaffham have been the Payne brothers.
Alex Payne amassed 560 runs during the season, with a highest score of 103 not out. He also took seven catches.
However, his brother Jasper Payne scored 275 runs over the season with a top score of 145 not out and claimed four catches. Jasper also finished with a bowling average of 12.50.
It was another season where the veteran Maurice Dye took the most wickets (12) at an average of 22.33.
David Annakin was close behind with 11 wickets at 20.09 average.
Kurian Varghese (seven wickets) and Tom Puckey (five wickets) also contributed immensely.
Looking back on Swaffham’s successful season, Mid-Norfolk Sunday Cricket League chairman, Colin King, said: “The turning point for Swaffham was their defeat to Swardeston CEYMS back in May.
“It was a very tight match where Swaffham fell short by just eight runs. However the nature of their defeat gave them the confidence to mount a sustained challenge to retain their title.
“What followed was a run of six consecutive wins which catapulted them to the top of the Shield Premier Division.
“A defeat to Barney gave Ashmanhaugh a glimmer of hope but their winning ways immediately returned and they finished the season with 14 clear points.
“I am delighted for them, they are worthy league champions.”
n An inspired spell of bowling ruined North Runcton’s hopes of retaining the Hunts County Bats Norfolk Senior Cup for the third year in a row.
Fielding a much-depleted side North Runcton struggled, whereas in previous years they have been imperious.
Opening the bowling for Hethersett & Tas Valley, Ross Hazard (5 for 18) ripped out the entire North Runcton top order before 36 runs were on the board.
He was ably assisted by Indika Nanayakkara (3 for 24) who, between them, ensured that North Runcton were only able to amass 80 runs.
There was a determined innings from Mark Skipper (25) whilst the only other batsmen to reach double-figures were Sam Major (11) and Will Lankfer (10 not out).
The Hethersett & Tas Valley reply was equally devastating as they proceeded to knock off the runs without losing a wicket.
After the match, chairman, King, reflected: “Sometimes in cricket you come up against somebody who is absolutely in their pomp and today that person was Ross Hazard.”
