Downham Stow win play-off semi-final

Downham Stow cricketers are one match away from making it into the promised land of the East Anglian Premier League.The West Norfolk outfit will travel to Cambs & Hunts Premier League winners Ramsey on Saturday after defeating Saffron Walden in their play-off semi-final yesterday.Vice-captain Ben Wilcox said: “Very pleased with the result, a fairly complete performance with contributions from every player.”It was a well-constructed batting innings, Freddie playing maturely and Arthur’s clean striking gave us a competitive score.”Owen was the pick of the bowlers taking four wickets in whilst others held the run rate.”We managed to take wickets regularly which kept us on top of the game and meant we could manage the DLS score as there was rain around.”It also really helped to have a good home crowd supporting us. “We’re delighted to be in the final. Our aim as a squad for the season was promotion to the EAPL and we have given ourselves the chance to do that with one final game. “It provides a challenge playing at a ground we are not used to against opposition we haven’t played before but we are all up for the challenge and looking forward to preparing well this week and playing on Saturday.”A batting masterclass saw Downham Stow overcome their Thurlow Nunn East Anglian Premier League visitors.Freddie Fairey (77) and Benjamin Wilcox (50) were the main contributors with the bat, receiving valuable support from William Denny (29), Finlay Wilcox (34) and Arthur Wilcox (47 not out) as the home side posted 268 from their 50 overs.Set a revised target of 264 from 40 overs, Saffron Walden were dismissed for 167 with Downham Stow’s Owen Stacey picking up 4-37 with the ball.Ramsey defeat Halstead in the other semi-final.

Cricket Greg Plummer