Cricketers from Fakenham are celebrating a double promotion success this season.
The club’s second team have been crowned champions of Division Two of the Norfolk Alliance, while the third team have also secured promotion by finishing runners-up in Division Two of the Norfolk Cricket League.
A blistering half-century from A. Riseborough and a devastating bowling display saw Fakenham 2nd record a crushing 66-run win over Sandringham & Dersingham 1st at the weekend.
Batting first, Fakenham struggled early, losing three wickets for just 28 runs.
P. Lough (15) and K. Suckling (6) offered brief resistance before A Riseborough took control.
The hard-hitting batter smashed 58 from just 28 balls, including nine fours and three sixes, to lift his side to 105 all out in 28.2 overs.
Sandringham’s attack was led by P. Brassett (4-37) and C. Smith (3-13), while L. Richmond bowled with great control, conceding only nine runs from his seven overs.
In reply, Sandringham never got going.
Opener O. Southgate (5) briefly threatened, but wickets tumbled steadily as the visitors crashed to 39 all out inside 22 overs.
P. Lough set the tone with 3-14, before A. Howell’s probing spell of 4-18 dismantled the middle order.
H. Todd then wrapped up the tail with two wickets in quick succession, supported by H. Lough’s economical 1-6.
With only three batters reaching double-figures and extras providing just a solitary run, Sandringham’s chase never materialised.
The 3rd team registered a five-wicket victory over Castle Rising in a closely contested clash that went down to the wire.
Batting first, Castle Rising never fully settled, losing both openers with only four runs on the board.
P. Hudson anchored the innings with a gritty 33 from 63 deliveries, while S. Sunny provided fireworks with a rapid 20 off 10 balls. Later, J Saji struck six boundaries in a fluent 38, helping push the total to 146 all out in 35.5 overs.
Fakenham’s bowlers shared the spoils, with R. Lough (4-42) doing the bulk of the damage, backed by the experienced I. Slegg (3-22).
In reply, Fakenham got off to a steady start through M Campbell, who hit seven boundaries in his 28.
After his departure, J. Seed took charge with a composed 41, well supported by I. Slegg (19) and J. Cawston, who guided his side home with an unbeaten 23.
Despite late strikes from A. John (1-24) and S. Sangewar (1-29), Castle Rising were unable to make any more decisive breakthroughs.
Fakenham reached their target in the 34th over, finishing on 147-5.
