Downham Stow youngsters claim county glory

There is double cause for celebration at Downham Stow Cricket Club with two of the club’s teams being crowned county champions.

Youth players from the Under-15 and Under-19 teams have enjoyed glory on the pitch this season.

Stow Hall played host to the rearranged Norfolk Under-19 T20 Cup final on Sunday.

Great Melton won the toss and chose to bat first in the hot conditions.

The opening bowlers of Arthur Wilcox and Owen Stacey started well with a wicket a piece and Melton were soon restricted to 10 for 2.

Downham Stow’s bowling attack battled hard and the fielding was solid despite the heat with Ben Wilcox, Olly Hooker and George Milton all claiming catches.

Sam Leishman, Toby Greenhill and George Webb were kept busy in the field by the strong Melton stroke play from Sam Davey and James Alcock.

Wickets were taken at regular intervals and Freddie Riddington and Will Broad bowled well in the middle overs.

Jack Stacey (4-10) and George Milton’s (1-15) finished the job with Gt Melton all out for 98 in the final over.

With the thunder clouds rolling past, the Downham Stow batsmen started quickly but the consistent bowling of James Alcock proved a challenge.

Olly Hooker was caught for six with Arthur Wilcox following him shortly after.

At 12 for 2 and the Duckworth Lewis figure coming into play, Downham Stow needed to score quickly without losing wickets.

Will Broad was caught on 15 which brought in the pairing of Ben Wilcox and Owen Stacey to steady things.

Both batted sensibly, keeping an eye on the weather, to finish the job in the 17th over with a seven-wicket win.

Wilcox (32 not out) and Stacey (40 not out).

Melton proved worthy runners-up as they provided by far and away the stiffest challenge that the Bombers have faced this season.

Man of the Match: Jack Stacey.

Other squad members: Freddie Fairey, Albert Hornsby and Ashden Knott.

The club thanks all of their sponsors, in particular Hart Farms, J W Sargeants Butchers, of Stow Bridge, and the Downham Tandoori.