Div 1 still open as Aldborough crush Bungay!
With continued discussion of league restructuring and the possibility of The Greens being left next year in a Norfolk League with only the poor and ill-equipped, Aldborough continued to put pressure upon the leading pair in division One by defeating mid table rivals Bungay at home by 27 runs.
Batting first, Aldborough got off to a flying start with a 73 run partnership in the first 11 overs. Captain Eddy Botwright was in fine form and made the lion’s share of these runs with Paul Reeve. Botwright took a particular liking to future England goalkeeper Joe Lewis, smashing the tall fast bowler to all parts of The Green.
After Reeve walked across a straight ball and was bowled, Tom Farrow carried on the good work. Botwright moved past 50 with a boundary and looked set for a big score but took one risk too many and was dismissed for a very good 66. Allan and Farrow worked hard on a deteriorating pitch and moved the score on with skill and care to 140 for 2 after 30 overs.
Both looked set to launch the team towards a big total but in the 33rd over at 164 the home team suffered a collapse. With good bowling from Fuller who claimed six for 32, and some good fortune Aldborough were reduced to 185 for 7. However Perry- Warnes and Skinner worked hard and played some good cricket to get the team to a respectable 225 for 9.
In reply Bungay got off to a flier and were 29 off 3 overs. Allan was replaced by Perry Warnes who then went for 33 in four. After the explosive start, Reeve at the other end bowled six overs for six runs and bowled Watts to break the partnership. At 68 for 1 off 13, Flannagan bowled in tandom with Reeve and held the scoring back and removed Fuller. York next in showed his intention and with a huge over off Reeve and put the visitors back on track. But the pace man had the next laugh removing York’s off stump. However Joe Lewis kept the momentum with Bungay and helped the visitors move to a daunting 123 for 3 off 25 overs.
Flannagan continued to bowl well and was ably assisted by Kevin Bacon. However the game would have started to move away from Aldborough but for a match turning run out from Tom Farrow who sent home Lewis . Bacon seized on this opportunity and was as miserly as ever conceding 8 runs from 5 overs with one wicket. Needing 80 off 13 the home team were back as favourites. Then Davis set upon Bacon and smashed 20 in an over and the game swung back to Bungay.
However, at this crucial time and perhaps for the first time this year, Aldborough turned the screw in the field and then Bacon brilliantly caught Davis. There on in the team fielded well and caught every opportunity and Allan returned to remove the dangerous Fuller. Wickets fell but the score crept closer to 200 with 6 overs still remaining. Davey still had ideas of a victory but was foiled by a super running catch from captain Botwright in the deep to take maximum points and leave Aldborough in a clear third place in the division.
Sadly, even if the team can manage to win the division, which will be a tall ask, they look destined to stay in the league. Arguably, this is due to the poor facilites, the lack of drive by the club and the inability of the local council to help support the club and bring it into the modern era. Our committee are doing all they can to keep the club playing top league cricket but without proper facilities it appears to be a very tricky task. It is vital that all of the club members do what they can to support the club in these worrying times.
Man of the match: Edward Botwright
Watton earth do Aldborough ‘A’ need to do?
Aldborough ‘A’s lack of confidence with the bat was compounded on Saturday at Watton. Aldborough won the toss and elected to bat on what appeared to be a good batting track. However, early uneven bounce and a tight opening spell by openers Norman (senior and junior), caused early wickets to fall. At 16 for 3 Antony Fell was joined by skipper Robinson and between them they managed to steady the boat for ten overs before Robinson’s lack of judgement saw him bowled for 14. Fell fell two overs later which lead to a steady stream of batsman sent back to the pavilion. Only Nicholson was able to cope with the situation late on, ending on a valiant 28 when he was unfortunate to be run out for the last wicket.
101 was unlikely to be a competitive total especially with the experience of P Norman at the crease, however the Aldborough bowlers stuck to their task well, especially Ben Farrow who bowled at a good pace and yet with consistent control. The young Oakey brothers were able to take their time in knocking off the runs until the late introduction of Charlie Mack to the bowling attack brought two more late wickets. However, it was a case of too little too late as Watton cruised home with five wickets and plenty of overs to spare.
Aldborough Black Boys Man of the Match: Ben Farrow
Next week the 1’s travel to Acle A while the 2’s have a must-win task at home to Diss B. See you on The Green!
SC