North Runcton pile on the runs in big victory

North Runcton posted their biggest Premier Division score for several seasons as they put the Norwich attack to sword on Saturday.

The Runcton batsmen of Mark Skipper (53 off 70 balls), Kirwin Christoffels (60 off 60 balls) and Jasper Payne (75 off 40 balls) were the main contributors as the visitors piled up the runs.

Payne was in irresistible form with five fours and five maximums with some determined hard-hitting before a run-out halted an undoubtable century in the making.

Michael Crisp made 31, Ben Coote 25, Harry Lankfer 11 and Tom Tansley 33 not out as the home bowlers were made to toil in the sun.

William Bowman was the pick of the bowlers taking 3-51 off nine overs in North Runcton’s total of 345 for 7.

In reply, Norwich lost opening bat Buzz Kemp to the second ball, caught by Jack Major off Ben Coote.

Kirwin Christoffels removed Chris Borrett, brilliantly caught by Jasper Payne for 17 to leave Norwich on 22 for 2.

Oliver Higgenbotham was the main stay making 43 off 50 balls with four fours before being caught by a forward diving catch by Mark Skipper off Jack Major.

The dangerous William Bowman was caught trying to hit over the top by Joe Gent for seven off Payne (1-18 off six overs).

Wickets fell regularly as the Runcton bowlers showed no let up.

Jack Major (3-40 off 10), Christoffels (1-16 off five), Ben Coote (2-40 off seven).

Joe Gent, who fielded superbly, missed out with the ball 0-29 off 4 with some uncharacteristic full tosses.

Lucas Triffitt took charge from the Ingham Hall End, the young man taking 3-23 off six overs in a very fine spell of accurate bowling.

Harry Lankfer swooped to remove the evergreen Aaron Watson and wicketkeeper Tom Tansley was on form with one stumping and two catches as North Runcton emerged victorious by 178 runs.

Next up for North Runcton is the small matter of a big home derby against second-placed Fakenham on Saturday.