Downham Stow do the double after defeating Runcton

Downham Stow 233-5

North Runcton 232-8

Downham Stow romped home to record a double this season over neighbours North Runcton with a five-wicket success.

Runcton won the toss and batted and set 232-8 which looked a reasonable total to defend on a wicket that was not coming on to the bat.

The visitors looked in a good position after dismissing Ben Wilcox and Liam Muggeridge with the score at 181-5 but they were unable to put the home team under pressure as Arthur Wilcox accelerated into top form with a hard hit 79 not out off 69 balls, with 11 fours and a single six.

All the home side batsmen made double figures with Muggeridge 48, Ben Wilcox 29 brilliantly stumped by Tom Tansley, Will Denny 20, and Freddie Fairey 28.

For Runcton, Kirwin Christoffels was the pick of the bowlers and in his first spell took 2-14 off 7 and in hindsight should have bowled through, with the ball nipping about after play resumed following a stop for rain.

However, a further shower made the ball difficult for the bowlers to hold, but that is no excuse as the home side deserved the victory and the derby bragging rights.

Ben Coote took 1-44 off 7, whilst Jack Major 1-64 off 10 toiled carrying an injury and was not his usual self. Lucas Triffitt took 1-46 off 8.4, Jasper Payne 0-37 off 7, and Sam Phillips 0-14 off 4 who deserved a longer spell.

For Runcton batting, first Mark Skipper made an elegant 22 until playing down the wrong line to young Owen Stacey. Kirwin Christoffels made 60, caught behind by George Cook off Esse. Jasper Payne notched 23, Ben Coote 64 not out, with 5 fours and two sixes, and Tom Tansley added 26 off 30 balls in the visitors’ total of 232-8.

Downham used three spinners in Addam Todd 2-35 off 10, Otto Esse 3-33 off 10, and Liam Muggeridge 1-53 off 8.

Seamers Arthur Wilcox took 1-39 off 9, Owen Stacey 1-36 off 6, and Jamie Cook 0-37 off 7.

George Cook took 3 excellent catches behind the wicket, one taken down the leg side standing up to Addam Todd to remove opener Harry Lankfer.

Downham Stow stay third and Runcton fourth in the league table.