North Runcton fell just short in the East Anglian Premier Play-Off Final, losing by three wickets to Cambs & Hunts champions Ramsey in a thrilling contest.
Runcton, champions of the Norfolk Alliance Premier League, won the toss and chose to bat in gloomy early conditions.
Openers Kirwin Christoffels and Ben Skipper gave them an excellent start with a stand of 79, before Skipper (27) was removed by Sri Lankan overseas player Sandun Madushanka.
Christoffels looked in fine touch, striking seven boundaries in his 59, but was bowled by Mark Edwards to leave Runcton 94-2.
The innings then faltered as wickets tumbled. Jacob Lockheart (22) and Mark Skipper (7) departed in quick succession, before Jasper (7) and Alec Payne (1) also fell cheaply.
At 139-6, Runcton were in danger of collapse.
However, Ben Coote (38 not out off 40) and teenager Lucas Triffitt (15) counter-attacked well, both clearing the ropes with huge sixes.
Alongside Harvey Cross (6) and late-order runs from Triffitt, Runcton rallied to close on 203-7 from their 50 overs.
Madushanka was the pick of the Ramsey attack with 3-44, supported by Ben Saunders’ 2-23.
In reply, Christoffels struck early, bowling Wayne Bradley for 4, before Triffitt and Jasper Payne reduced Ramsey to 56-3.
Runcton appeared in control when Saunders fell for 30 at 65-4, wicketkeeper Jack Hazel claiming his third victim behind the stumps.
With rain never far away, Runcton were well ahead of the DLS par score and looked favourites.
However, the lack of a specialist spinner began to tell.
Ramsey captain Taylor West (33) and Mark Saunders built a crucial stand of 81 to turn the game.
Payne then produced a double strike – removing West and substitute batter Harvey Edmonds in consecutive deliveries – to leave Ramsey 146-6, before Michael Annakin dismissed Elliot Cafferkey to pile on the pressure at 158-7.
But Mark Saunders, in superb form, held firm.
Playing with patience and power, he finished unbeaten on 67 from 92 balls, striking five fours and a six.
With support from Ollie Stevens (15 not out), the pair calmly guided Ramsey home with three balls to spare in the 49th over, sealing a 205-7 reply and a famous victory.
For Runcton, Payne impressed with 3-29 from his 10 overs, while Triffitt (2-37) bowled with discipline. Yet despite their efforts, it was not quite enough.
The defeat was a cruel blow for North Runcton, who had battled bravely and at times held the upper hand.
For Ramsey, it was a celebration, claiming the regional crown after a game that swung dramatically before being settled by the composure of Saunders.
