Downham begin title defence with victory

Downham Town kicked off their Norfolk Alliance Premier Division title defence with a convincing win over Fakenham at the Memorial Ground.

Bowling first, Town started well with Sam Sharp setting the tone, bowling economically and picking up the early wicket of Bammant.

Australian Nathan Green, on debut, was finding his feet at the other end and the wicket of the dangerous Monghan-Fairlie settled his nerves.

Town kept picking up wickets and captain Yates’s run-out of Caswell meant Town were well on their way to restricting Fakenham to a below-par score.

Fakenham closed on 146 for 9 from their 50 overs with Chris Sharp the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 18 from 10 overs.

In reply, Downham started steadily with openers Stuart and Harrison both making their way into double figures.

After Harrison (14) fell to the bowling of Layer, Jack Gould came to the crease and played a match-winning innings of 57 not out, seeing his side all the way home with 10 overs to spare.

Gould and Yates (30) saw off any threat from Fakenham until just before the end when the latter was out, leaving Harrison Gregory to score the winning boundary from his first ball.

Downham travel to Old Buckenham tomorrow.

Downham Tandoori MoM: Jack Gould.