Downham Stow maintain unbeaten start

Downham Stow secured a hard-fought victory in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division with many teams called off due to the inclement weather.Having lost the toss and been sent into bat by Brooke, it was evident that it wouldn’t be an easy task for the batters to navigate, with spin and variable bounce impacting stroke play.Coming in at 62/3, Freddy Fairey, batted fluently in his new spot at number five for a run-a-ball 35 and along with Ben Wilcox (20) struck an important partnership of 53.However, the disciplined Brooke attack was able to make regular breakthroughs which meant that the team was in a precarious position at 140/7.The ever-reliable skipper Pat Yates and young Owen Stacey added an invaluable 68 runs for the ninth wicket and allowed the team to wrestle back the momentum to finish on 8/208Opening up on return, George Bruce bowled with pace and found his consistency making him a handful early and the early introduction of Adam Todd meant the pressure was built on the Brooke batsmen.Although the opposition got off to a decent start, Arthur Wilcox 3/41 off eight showcased his all-round skills with an inspired bowling spell, taking wickets at crucial intervals as well as taking a screamer at square-leg. Through consistent pressure from the seamers, Adam Todd was able to settle into his rhythm and display his class finishing with figures of 4/11 to leave the opposition reeling on 92/6.Although the middle to lower order fought hard for Brooke, an important breakthrough from A. Wilcox via a one-handed take from Yates meant that Downham Stow could swiftly finish the innings and eventually bowl Brooke out for 169 and remain undefeated after four games. The win leaves Downham Stow 17 points clear at the top with Fakenham sitting fifth in the table and North Runcton in seventh.Fakenham’s scheduled game against Bradfield was called off at 2.30pm due to persistent rain. Fakenham Cricket Club thanks the following sponsors for the above match.Match sponsor: William Blyth roof tile manufacturer. Matchball sponsor: Gerald Rawlings (honorary life member)Norfolk Alliance Division Two Dereham v Fakenham 2nds was cancelled due to heavy rain.Norfolk League Division Two WestFakenham 3rds beat Garboldisham by 9 wicketsGarboldisham 4ths 88 all out in 25.3 overs (Shane Fisher 3-13, James Cawston 2-16, Will Sparkes 2-21, Charlie Warden 1-2, Rhys Lough 1-4).Fakenham 3rds 92-1 off 14.4 overs (Paul Lough 42 not out, Benjamin Berridge 28 not out, Harry Goodrum 12).