Downham Stow openers in record-breaking stand

Downham Stow’s batsmen were in record-breaking form as the club made it two wins from as many games in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.The home side were in excellent shape as they beat Hethersett and Tas-Valley by 67 runs on a glorious May afternoon at Stow Hall.Winning the toss and batting first on what looked like a flat surface, the home openers Will Denny (131) and Finlay Wilcox (118) piled on a record opening partnership of 255.It was young Finlay’s first century for the club, which delighted the home crowd.The highlight of the innings was the pairs running between the wickets, constantly putting Hethersett fielders under pressure and punishing any bad balls in between. Eventually, with the opening stand broken, there was a flurry of wickets.However, the home side continued to score freely and reached a total of 338 for 6 from the 50 overs. In reply, Hethersett got off to a bit of a flyer with Downham Stow’s bowling attack failing to find consistent areas.It took a remarkable direct hit run-out from Ollie Ford to remove the dangerous Ben France after a mix-up had left him stranded. Hethersett were not done however and a 100-run partnership for the second wicket put the pressure back onto the hosts. Otto Esse (1 for 45) and Ben Wilcox (4 for 61) bowled in partnership well to bring the game back in the home side’s favour.It was left to Australian, Pranav Susarla to pick up two wickets near the end as Downham Stow cruised eventually to victory.Hart Farms and Downham Tandoori MoM: Will Denny and Finlay Wilcox.n Don’t miss Friday’s Lynn News for more cricket.

Cricket Greg Plummer