High-flying Sandringham win derby clash

Sandringham continue to enjoy life in Division Three of the Norfolk Alliance.The West Norfolk outfit sits second in the league standings behind Norwich 2nds following a crucial 26-run success over Downham Stow 3rds on Saturday.After losing the toss, Sandringham were inserted into bat by their visitors, whose decision was justified by the loss of two early wickets.S.Brooking removed home openers B. Tennant and D.Bunn cheaply to leave Sandringham struggling on 20-2.A third-wicket stand of 83 between A. Havers (69) and Aaron Nicol (14) put the home side back on track before both batsmen fell in quick succession.When J. Southgate fell for 10, Sandringham were on 129-5 and a score of more than 200 looked highly unlikely.But P. Ingram and S. Dobing had other ideas as they put on a stand of 104 for the sixth wicket. Ingram smashed 70 off 37 balls in Jos Buttler-like fashion with two fours and six maximums. Dobing remained not out on 43 as the home side posted 242 from their 45 overs.Downham Stow 3rds lost M. Eagle without scoring but they soon went about trying to chase down the target.P. Harwood (37) and D. Lanchester (42) added 56 for the second wicket before T. Greenhill and Lanchester added 70 for the third wicket. The visitors looked well-placed on 127-3 with plenty of batting still to come.But four quick wickets for 20 runs swung the game back in Sandringham’s favour as Corbett, C. Edwards, S. Gilbert and Greenhill all fell to leave Downham Stow 3rds on 174-7. A late flurry of 33 off 20 balls from A. Arndt gave the visitors hope before he was the last man out with the score of 216.Sandringham bowlers C. Lee (3-58), J. Alahakoon (2-44) and C. Smith (2-41) were the main wicket-takers with W. Hudson and P. Ingram picking up a scalp each.Elsewhere in the Division, Hockwold picked up a comfortable eight-wicket success at home to Cromer to move up to fifth in the latest league standings.

Cricket Greg Plummer