North Runcton produced a stunning fightback to claim victory over Halstead in the East Anglian Premier League Semi-Final Play-Off.
In what proved to be a low-scoring but high-drama encounter in Essex, the Norfolk Alliance Premier League champions showed resilience and grit to overcome the Two Counties champions, eventually winning by 29 runs.
Winning the toss, Runcton captain Ben Coote chose to bat first, but his decision looked questionable as wickets tumbled rapidly.
Despite a bright start from opener Kirwin Christoffels, who struck a four from a no-ball and then a huge six from the free hit, Runcton collapsed alarmingly against probing seam bowling on a lively surface.
By the time the scoreboard read 44-7, the visitors were in deep trouble.
The middle order offered little resistance until Coote arrived at the crease with determination written all over his face.
He found an invaluable ally in Lucas Triffitt, who played patiently for 23 from 43 balls, while Coote counter-attacked in style.
Their partnership of 62 gave Runcton renewed hope.
Coote’s innings was a captain’s masterpiece, a rapid 56 from as many balls, including six boundaries and three towering sixes. Once he was caught in the deep, the innings closed at 134 all out, a total that looked well below par.
Halstead’s attack had shared the honours, with Ed Clarke taking 4-52 and Josh King 3-17.
The hosts were strong favourites at the interval, especially having piled up 267 the previous day on the same ground.
But Runcton’s bowlers had other ideas.
With the ball still seaming, Coote led from the front once again.
Partnered by Christoffels, he tore through the Halstead top order, and within no time the hosts were reeling at 27-5.
The prized wicket of Sri Lankan professional Tharusha Fernando, who had struck a century 24 hours earlier, fell cheaply when Coote sprinted back from slip to hold a superb catch off Christoffels.
Wicketkeeper Jack Hazel held three fine catches as the pressure mounted, while Christoffels bowled with fire to return figures of 4-25.
By the halfway point of the innings, Halstead were staring down the barrel at 48-7.
A spirited recovery from Josh Wells (41 not out) kept home hopes alive.
He combined with Clarke and later King to frustrate Runcton, but once Coote returned for a second spell, the end was swift.
His very first delivery bowled King, and he wrapped up the innings soon after, trapping Millions lbw for 8 to seal a famous victory.
Coote finished with remarkable figures of 5-24, completing a personal performance that made him a clear choice for Man of the Match.
Christoffels’ four wickets provided perfect support, while Triffitt’s earlier contribution with the bat proved equally crucial.
North Runcton’s reward is a home final against Ramsey, the Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire Premier League champions, who overcame Witchingham in the other semi-final.
The match takes place at Runcton next Saturday at 11am, with a place in the East Anglian Premier League at stake.
