Colombage inspires Downham Stow on home bow

Downham Stow maintained their fantastic start to the new season by beating Mildenhall on their home East Anglian Premier League debut.A solid batting display backed by a sensational bowling performance from Sachindu Colombage helped the team post a strong total and seal a convincing win.After losing Hudson De Lucchi early for 16 (27), the innings was anchored by Finlay Wilcox, who compiled a steady 64 off 100 balls.He shared a useful stand with Benjamin Wilcox, who contributed 33 from 63 deliveries, before falling to Jacob Kippax Maton.The innings truly came alive when Freddie Fairey arrived at the crease.Playing an explosive knock, he hammered an unbeaten 80 off just 61 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes, striking at 131.15.He was well supported by Arthur Wilcox (24 off 28) in the middle overs. A late cameo from George Cook, smashing 10 not out from just three balls, gave the innings a final flourish, taking the side to a competitive total. In reply, the bowling unit put on a clinical display led by Sachindu Colombage, who ripped through the opposition lineup with astonishing figures of 6 for 33 in 9.5 overs.His spell was both economical and devastating, dismantling the middle and lower order.Colombage was well-supported by: Arthur Wilcox, who claimed two wickets, Brett Stolworthy and Owen Stacey, who picked up one each, while Addam Todd bowled a full 10 overs but remained wicketless. Colombage’s heroics with the ball ensured that the opposition never recovered, sealing a hard-fought win by 12 runs to leave Downham Stow unbeaten after two games.The team travels to Swardeston on Saturday, hoping to continue their excellent start to the season.Carter Jonas MoM: Sachindu Colombage.