Downham fall just short in epic Cater Cup clash

Downham fell agonisingly short in their bid to to reach a Carter Cup final in its 50th and final edition.

Making the trip to Vauxhall Mallards for their semi-final on Sunday, Town were asked to bowl first on a scorching day.

A partnership of 145 between the Mallards openers made it feel even hotter.

Town’s bowlers did everything they could, bowling in good areas, notably Addam Todd who was very unlucky not to take the edge on numerous occasions.

The runs continued to flow and after the halfway point with 10 wickets in hand Mallards could really push on.

Plater played absolutely faultlessly for his 159, without giving a chance.

He was joined by South African Smit who made a quickfire 75 as the home side racked up 328 in their 50 overs.

Chasing such a big total, Town felt they would need to get off to a flyer.

However it didn’t materialise as the experience of Bradshaw and Norfolk bowler France left Downham 20 for 2 after 10 overs.

Town were able to rebuild however as Harrison Gregory got into his stride once again.

A partnership of 76 with Yates got Downham back in with a shout and when Yates went for 21 it really became interesting.

The wicket brought Nathan Green to the crease and he played a crunching innings taking, the attack to the Mallards bowlers.

Green smashed 78 off just 57 balls, and in one over took Smit for 28, including three huge sixes.

At the other end, Gregory still caressed the ball to the boundary on multiple occasions.

He fell agonisingly close to his first century of the season on 96 as Downham stuttered.

Shane Leech came to the crease and made 20 before he was one of three Downham batsmen to be run out.

The run rate required was still only eight however and while Green was still at the crease, Town felt in control.

Unfortunately he was also run out near the end leaving youngsters Chris Sharp and Dom Corbett to try and get Town over the line.

Corbett's 14 off 7 balls gave Town a chance with 12 required off the final Bradshaw over.

A couple of scampered ones and twos, followed by a brilliant scoop over the wickkeeper's head by Chris Sharp, left Rob Hooton with the unenviable task of getting three from the last ball to win.

Unfortunately he was only able to hit the fielder at mid-off, getting through for one but leaving Town one short of a tie.

It was a fantastic effort from Town against higher league opposition in a game that could have easily gone either way.

Mallards will now play Great Witchingham in the August Bank Holiday final.