Denver suffer back-to-back defeats in Norfolk Alliance Division Four

Denver’s hopes of maintaining their strong start to the new season were dashed with their second successive defeat at the weekend.

A late cameo from Joe Manning wasn’t enough as they suffered a 30-run defeat to Great Melton in Norfolk Alliance Division Four,

The home won the toss and chose to bowl first and they made a good start, picking up an early wicket.

Great Melton rebuilt nicely, with Kyle Weston and Corey Rushton both making 33, keeping the run rate moving along nicely.

This allowed Sam Davey to come in and build an innings, pushing on in the last 10-15 overs as he made a fine 80 from 90 balls, ably supported by captain Matt Rushton (23) and Mat Gilbert (21 from 15 balls).

Manning (1-29) bowled an economical spell in the middle of the innings for Denver and Max Merritt picked up 2-40 but Denver could only restrict Great Melton to 230-5 from their 45 overs.

Denver got off to a quick start, scoring 13 off the first over but one big shot too many saw Great Melton pick up a key wicket in the same over.

Dan Cornwell and Tom Gilbert looked to bring Denver back into the game but when they were both bowled by Kyle Weston, the home side found themselves 69-4 with the run rate creeping up all the time.

Marcus Glover hit a measured 36 as he put on 73 for the fifth wicket with Manning but couldn’t go on to make the big score Denver required.

Manning stayed steady as wickets fell at the other end and he pushed on in the final five overs after making his 50, ending the innings on an unbeaten 82 from 80 balls but Denver eventually fell 30 runs short of their target.

Lawtronics Man of the Match: Joe Manning.

Elsewhere in the Alliance Premier at the weekend, North Runcton were the only local winners with a seven-wicket success at Cromer.

Downham Stow were beaten by 68 runs at home to Bradfield while Fakenham’s unbeaten start came to an end by 26 runs at Ashmanhaugh and Barton Wanderers.

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