Final heartache for Swaffham and Snettisham
West Norfolk representatives Swaffham and Snettisham both suffered defeats in their respective Mid Norfolk Sunday Cricket League finals.
A strong Ashmanhaugh outfit saw off current league champions Swaffham in the Challenge Cup final, while Martham beat Snettisham to win the Broke Cup showpiece.
Swaffham won the toss and elected to field but they failed to make the inroads that the previous day’s rain suggested.
The opening pair of Craig Beeden (36) and Jordan Everett (69) amassed 68 runs before the fall of the first wicket.
Oscar Binny (60) added some exciting runs before he fell with the score on 164 for 2.
Joseph Everett (25) steered the score past the 200 mark before a clatter of wickets fell in the final few overs.
Ashmanhaugh’s innings closed on 230 for 7 and the pick of the Swaffham bowling was Tom Puckey (3 for 39).
In reply, Swaffham lost their openers Jasper Payne (14) and Joseph Lenderyou (4) to a spell of awesome pace from Robbie Joseph.
Alex Payne (78) produced a memorable innings which included five sixes and four fours.
He was last out leaving Swaffham on 135 all out.
League chairman Colin King said: “After all the rain of the previous day, it was amazing to see how well Sprowston had been able to protect the wicket. Both sides fielded well and with purpose.
“Now that the Carter Cup is no more, the Mid-Norfolk Sunday Cricket League’s Challenge Cup will be the only serious cup competition left in Norfolk.
“If today’s entertainment is anything to go by, it will thrive for years to come.”
In the Broke Cup, Martham won the toss and elected to bowl.
This was a sound decision as they removed the first three wickets for only four runs. From then on, Snettisham were on the back foot.
However, Paul Ingram (26) produced a sparkling cameo innings that included a six and four boundaries.
Harry Knott (18) steered the score to 83 before he was the eighth wicket to fall.
Snettisham were all out for 98 runs and, in reply, Martham also lost a couple of early wickets, until captain Jack Whatmough (54) steered his side to within three runs of victory.
He was assisted by Alex Sayer (22). Martham reached their target with four wickets remaining.
The pick of the Snettisham bowling was Paul ingram (3 for 29).
King reflected: “Often in cricket you hear the words, ‘If only?’
“If Snettisham could have amassed another 30 runs then it would have been an intriguing battle.
“Low-scoring matches often produce the most exciting cricket and Martham entertained us.”
Snettisham youngsters Nathaniel Linsell and Adam Rose showed great promise for the future as the club’s excellent youth policy continues to reap its rewards.
