North Runcton secured the Lacon’s Norfolk Alliance Premier Division title in emphatic style on Saturday.
A six-wicket success over Old Buckenham by six wickets at Runcton Park to seal their first championship since 2019.
With three games left in the campaign, a win was required to make the crown mathematically safe.
The home side delivered with authority, completing their 14th victory in 16 league outings this season.
The visitors won the toss and opted to bat, but Runcton’s seamers quickly applied pressure.
Captain Ben Coote struck early, removing his opposite number during a probing new-ball spell, while play-and-misses became a regular feature.
However, Old Bucks regrouped, with Ben Baldwin and Lucas Innis adding a purposeful stand after Rishu Sharma fell to the reliable Jasper Payne.
As the score edged towards three figures, Innis was brilliantly run out by a sharp pick-up and throw from the boundary by Lucas Triffitt.
That dismissal checked momentum, and when Christoffels and Coote returned, further breakthroughs followed.
Baldwin well held by Mark Skipper and Everitt trapped in front.
From 110-5, Old Bucks fought hard, Rob Thurley showing resilience in a patient 45, but Runcton’s bowlers never relented.
The decisive moment came when Payne returned to the attack and produced a stunning hat-trick, removing Glen Meredith (superbly caught by a diving Coote), bowling Harvey Moody, and then finding the edge of Joel Meredith, safely taken by keeper Jack Hazel.
Thurley’s resistance eventually ended courtesy of Coote, leaving Old Buckenham 195 all out..
Runcton’s reply began nervously, with Ben Skipper dismissed early.
But the in-form Kirwin Christoffels steadied the innings, supported by Jacob Lockheart in a partnership worth 51.
Christoffels was in majestic touch, timing the ball sweetly, and his 64 took him beyond 1,000 runs for the season across formats. He was unfortunate to depart to a tight run-out decision, but his contribution had laid the perfect platform.
Mark Skipper, calm and authoritative, then took control of proceedings.
Even as Jasper Payne fell cheaply, Skipper’s assurance ensured there would be no wobble.
His composed batting was complemented brilliantly by Alec Payne, who initially played himself in before cutting loose.
The pair added 70 runs in partnership, with Payne sealing victory in style by launching a colossal six out of the ground, sparking jubilant celebrations from teammates and supporters alike.
Runcton’s six-wicket triumph not only secured the league crown but also booked their place in the East Anglian Premier League play-offs, where they will begin away from home on September 14.
Christoffels was named the Brown & Co Player of the Game, recognition for his classy innings and vital wickets, capping off what has been an outstanding season on a personal level.
