Downham Stow claim derby bragging rights over Fakenham

Downham Stow leapfrogged Fakenham at the top of the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division table following a dominant display at Stow Hall on Saturday.

A strong batting display from the hosts laid the foundations for a crucial win as reigning champions Fakenham suffered their second loss of the campaign.

Home skipper Otto Esse won the toss and chose to bat first in the top-of-the-table clash.

Downham Stow v Fakenham in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.

The home side got off to a great start with openers Freddie Fairey (33) and Will Denny (39) putting early pressure on the Fakenham bowlers.

They put on 67 for the first wicket when Fairey was dismissed.

Ben Wilcox joined Denny at the crease to put another 23 runs on before Denny was caught in the deep.

This brought Liam Muggeridge to the wicket and both Wilcox and him batted positively through the middle overs as they built up a commanding 121-run partnership.

Wilcox was caught-and-bowled for an impressive 74.

Arthur Wilcox came in and didn’t mess around scoring a quick fire 39.

Things quickly changed for the home side when both Wilcox and Muggeridge (70) were dismissed leaving the home side 268 for 5.

The lower order failed to push the score up above 300, the home side losing six wickets for just 23 runs to be all out for 286 in the 46th over.

Fakenham got off to a steady start putting on 21 for the wicket when Jamie Cook made the breakthrough and, not long after, Arthur Wilcox picked up the second leaving the away side 30 for 2.

The opening bowlers both had extended spells due to their tight bowling, pushing the run rate up above sixes.

Addam Todd picked up the third wicket with the score on 60. Fakenham rebuilt through the middle thanks to Ben Harvey (64) and Will Dunger (35) putting on a 75-run partnership.

With the run rate increasing the pair was put under pressure by good bowling from spinners Todd, Esse and Muggeridge.

Regular wickets fell after drinks thanks to Muggeridge who picked up four wickets to help restrict Fakenham to 232 for 8 off their 50 overs.

Cricket Greg Plummer

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