Young-guns take centre stage at Grimston festival

Almost 40 youngsters took to the field at Grimston Cricket Club for the club’s inaugural Under-9s festival on Sunday.

Teams from Sandringham CC, Snettisham CC, and Thornham CC joined their hosts for a fun-filled morning of cricketing action, with all teams playing in a round-robin format across two pitches.

On the Oak Tree pitch, Grimston CC were involved in three thrilling matches, two of which went down to the final ball, while the Congham Hall pitch saw some hard-fought games which were played in fantastic spirit.

Event organiser Sam Adkin was full of praise for the children, saying: “It’s been amazing to see so many young cricketers here, enjoying the game and learning important life skills too.

“Cricket is a wonderful game and is perfect to get children active and enjoying the great outdoors.”

The overall champions were Sandringham CC who won all three of their matches, and will go on to the county finals to compete against teams from across Norfolk.

Meanwhile on Sunday afternoon the Grimston CC adult’s team were in cup action away to Snettisham.

Stand-in captain Andrew Tilbrook led from the front with 34 runs, and Tom Wallace also contributing with a handy 21 runs.

However Snettisham were too strong and made short work of Grimston’s total – chasing it down in only 14 overs.

Andrew Tilbrook was philosophical on the defeat: “We came here knowing how good Snettisham can be on their day, and the result speaks for itself.

“We have a few lessons to take away, but all credit to our opposition and we wish them the best for their cup run.”

Youth Cricket sessions continue between 5pm and 6pm every Wednesday at Grimston Cricket Ground.

In Level One West of the Norfolk Cricket League at the weekend, James Steeles with 78 helped Narborough win, while Matt Taylor’s 80 saw Castle Rising home, Ben Harris (77 not out) doing the same for Thornham.

All three West Norfolk sides in the top flight are pushing hard for title glory behind both Saham Toney and Beeston.

At the halfway stage of the campaign in Division Three West, Gooderstone are vying for promotion while Dersingham and Sandringham and Denver find themselves towards the wrong end of the table.

Castle Rising A lead the way in Four West with Narborough A close behind in second spot.