Challenge Cup progress for North Runcton

North Runcton booked their place in the next round of the Mid Norfolk Sunday League Challenge Cup by beating Grimston at the Grimston Clean Tech Cricket Ground.Grimston CC captain Harry Ward won the toss and chose to bat, putting opening partners Mark Pickering and Sam Adkin out to bat in chilly conditions.North Runcton began their bowling attack with an onslaught of pace, reducing Grimston to 2 for 2.Adkin weathered the early overs and, alongside Vivek Kajjam, began to build a defendable total, which was completed by Harry Ward and Woody.Grimston finished their innings on 158 for 7 from their 40 overs.Finaly Neaves was the standout performer with the ball, taking three wickets.North Runcton began their batting innings with Jacob Lockheart and Jacob Booth, the former going on to score 50 runs before being caught by Mark Pickering from the bowling of debutant Rutvik Desai. Ben Newton added a quickfire 13 runs, and Jacob Hancock also contributed with 30, but the match-winning performance was from Max Barnes, who steered his side to victory when the match looked in the balance. Tom Wallace took three wickets for Grimston, with Desai taking two wickets in his first match for the club.North Runcton finished on 161/7 off 28.3 overs.Grimston captain Harry Ward was full of praise for North Runcton, saying: “It was a great game played the right way, it was in the balance until the final few overs when their class showed through.”We had fun and we look forward to playing Great Witchingham in the plate.”