Leaders Downham Stow hold nerve for crucial win

It was a riveting Norfolk Alliance Premier Division game between Hethersett and title-chasing Downham Stow, with the away side eventually winning by three wickets.Downham Stow skipper Pat Yates won the toss and had no hesitation in bowling first in favourable conditions.There was early reward with the opening pair of Arthur Wilcox and Dan Ward bowling well in tandem.Although there was a partnership through the middle, the side knew that late wickets would arrive and they were determined not to let the scoreboard get away.That mindset was justified, with Owen Stacey and Wilcox reaping the rewards to finish with four and three wickets respectively, to have the home side bowled out for 178.The consistent opening partnership of Will Denny and Finlay Wilcox were at their best again in the chase.Both played positively to get the side off to a great start in bowler-friendly conditions. Denny fell with the score at 73. Wilcox and new batter Pranav Susarla continued the positive start and added 79 runs in 12 overs. Wilcox fell for a wonderful 60 with the score at 152 and only 27 runs needed.The opposition skipper Ben France brought himself back into the attack to see if there was any chance for them.He took a wicket in his first over back sparking a scarcely believable collapse of 4/5. Fortunately for Downham Stow, Owen Stacey once again proved his batting prowess hitting three boundaries to seal the win for the side in what turned into a nervy chase.The win leaves Downham Stow six points ahead of Fakenham in second at the summit. Garboldisham lostto Fakenham by 47 runsFakenham at one stage were 47-3 when Will Dunger joined Steve Gray out in the middle and they put on an undefeated partnership of 221Steve Gray finished on 122 not out, which included 11 fours and four sixes.Will Dunger finished on 107 not out, which included seven fours and six sixes. Their partnership helped Fakenham to 268-3 off 50 overs.In reply, Garboldisham were bowled out for 221 in 48.1 overs.