Secretary, Mike Cramp - mike_cramp@hotmail.com

Club Administrator and Welfare Officer, Sean Cannon - 0771 232 1233 or seantcannon@gmail.com

Aldborough 1sts will play in Division 4 of the Norfolk Alliance next season whilst the 2nds will grace Division 4 of the Norfolk League. The Sunday team will play in Division 4 of the Mid Norfolk Sunday League.

Elected Officers

President - Billy Hammond

Chairman - Tim Knight

Vice Chaiman - Richard Fisher

Secretary - Michael Cramp

Asst Secretary - Gavin Swinbourne

Treasurer - Steve Barnes

Machinery Officer - Matt Skinner

Groundsman - TBC

Club Administrator - Sean Cannon

1st X1 Captain - Troy Allan

2nd XI Captain - Charlie Mack

Sunday XI Captain - Mark Cook

B Team Captain - Steve Cooke

Midweek Captain - Mike Cramp

U18 Captain - David Bodymore

Gentlemen,

For those who did not attend the Annual Dinner last night, it is with great pleasure and a lot of pride that I am delighted to announce and confirm that Aldborough Cricket Club have been promoted to the Norfolk Alliance and next year will be playing in Division Four. I would like to congratulate the captain, Paul Reeve, and all the players who have played for the 1st XI this year for this achievement of getting the club back into the Alliance after more than a decade.

Raise a glass to Aldborough Cricket Club ‘Double Promotion Winners’ 2009!

Tim

After a delayed start due to a prolonged football game, Aldborough batted first with Fisher and Swinbourne getting the nod from captain Cook to open up on a dusty and hard track. The pair moved the score on to 12 before Swinbourne was bowled by Hudson for 2.
 
Allan then came in an after negotiating some early uneven bounce, soon got in to his stride and quickly passed 50. Fisher at the other end provided stubborn support. After manouevering the ball to all parts of the ground, Allan was eventually caught on 80 (including 14 fours and 1 six) off the bowling of Pugh, resulting in Cannon joining Fisher at the crease.
 
Fisher fell soon after to a full toss for 21 which brought Cramp to the wicket with Aldborough at 136-3 in the 26th over. The pair began to move the scoring rate along before Cramp perished to a mistimed drive off youngster Addellee for 11 and was caught at mid-off.
 
Cannon was scoring freely and passed 50 in quick time. The new batsman Howett provided good support and hit a series of good pull shots through square leg before too perishing to a full toss for a season best Aldborough score of 18. Knight had a brief visit to the wicket before stepping back and hitting his own wicket.
 
New batsman Cook proved a good foil to Cannon who hit a succession of boundaries through mid wicket and long-on on his way to a well deserved 106 not out (including 16 fours and 4 sixes). This was his first century for Aldborough and took the team total up to a seemingly very defendable 279-6. Cook finsihed on 9 not out.
 
After tea, Aldborough came out to field but soon found themselves in the midst of a dramatic run-chase. The Hemsby openers scroed 59 off the first 4 overs as the Aldborough bowlers were put to the sword. Problems were compunded with the loss of Seaman to a suspected broken finger, meaning Aldborough were a strike bowler and a further fielder down.
 
Cook turned to spin to take the pace off the bowl and the decision was soon rewarded with Cramp trapping Hudson LBW for 72 in his third over. In tandem with Knight at the other end, he then bowled Shepherd two overs later for a duck and the score was 123-2 after the 13th over. Aldborough were beginning to crepp back in to the game as Cramp finished with figures of 8-2-35-2.
 
After a 4-over spell from Knight, Cook turned to his medium pace attack of himself, Thorogood and Swinbourne to keep Hemsby at bay during the middle overs. Cook was the pick of the bunch, finishing with figures of 4-1-19-2 and picking up the key wicket of Ryan for 91, following a good catch from Swinbourne at deep long-on. Thorogood (2.4-0-29-0) and Swinbourne (3-0-25-0) tried hard but will have better days with the ball.
 
At 221-5 in the 29th over, Cook turned back to Knight and Allan to take the wicket of Whatmough, who had played well through the middle overs to take himself beyond fifty. Unfortunately neither could prize the wicket. Allan finsihed with figures of 8-0-69-0 and Knight with figures he will want to forget in a hurry of 7-0-85-1, his sole consolation being the wicket of Billington for 1.
 
As the game reached the 33rd over, Hemsby were 274-5 and Howett was introduced to bowl his developing leg-spin. Whatmough secured the runs he needed off the first ball for a match-winning century and the game was all over two balls later as a single and then a wide secured the win for Hemsby.
 
Aldborough were left wondering how they had managed to let such a large total be chased down with such ease, but despite the loss, a good day was had by all and the team returned back to Aldborough with a strange whiff of deep heat emanating from Ben Howett’s shorts.
 
ALDBOROUGH MAN OF THE MATCH: SEAN CANNON (106*)

Transport available from The Green (tbc), please contact Mike Cramp for a ticket to the dinner - mike_cramp@hotmail.com

Norfolk Cricket League Dinner and Awards Evening - Friday October 16th, 7pm @ The Ramada Hotel, Norwich

We hope to see you all in the coming weeks.

Norfolk Cricket League Division 5

Aldborough ‘A’ (23 pts) 128-10 beat Hingham (7pts) 114-10 by 14 runs

Going in to the final weekend of the season, Aldborough ‘A’ lay second in Division 5 with all to play for in the promotion chase as less than a point separated them from Halvergate and Hingham in third and fourth respectively. Aldborough’s opponents on this final weekend were in fact Hingham, who knew that a good win and any slip up from Halvergate could push them from fourth into the other promotion spot.

Skipper Mike Cramp won the all important toss and elected to bat first on what looked a reasonable pitch and fast outfield. In the field however, Hingham bowled excellently, with openers Weston (12-6-27-0) and Scent (10-4-19-4) being miserly with the new ball and restricting Aldborough’s opening pair well. Skinner was the first to go looking to drive a rare half-volley through the covers and being caught behind to put Aldborough on the back foot early on at 5-1. Armiger (9) joined Mack and provided some good resistance before mistiming a drive and being caught and bowled by first-change bowler Dix, who bowled excellently throughout to finish with figures of 11.4-2-39-6. Cramp fell soon after to the same bowler looking to leave a ball that subsequently flew up off a length and caught his glove on the way through to the keeper. Opener Mack, who had grinded his way to 24 was the next to go, he too being caught and bowled on a wicket that had become extremely difficult to play with confidence on. Nicholson, in good form this season with bat and gloves, could not stop the rot either as he perished for 1, leaving Aldborough at 43-5 in the 26th over. With Aldborough’s promotion hopes hanging on the line, a colossal effort was needed from the remaining middle and lower order to salvage a defendable total. Swinbourne was the first to step up and be counted, hitting an impressive and timely 14, including a first league 6 over square leg. Sizeland (6) looked good before looking to drive and being bowled, leaving Aldborough at 72-7. The emerging Tom Seaman then came to the wicket and played solidly for 23, showing he has the makings of becoming a fine all-rounder for Aldborough. With good support from Dingle (6) and then a 10th wicket partnership of 38 with the impressive Tuthill (20), who hit two maximums in two balls off the bowling of Dix, Aldborough reached 128 all out in the 44th over. Knight finished 1 not out.

Sensing that this would not be an easy total to reach, Aldborough came out fired up in the field and duly struck early, with opener Key edging through to keeper Nicholson off the bowling of Dingle (9-4-22-1) to leave the score at 1-1. At the other end, the left-handed Guy batted aggressively and sought to punish anything off his hips. He made an impressive 36 before a good catch from Armiger at backward square leg off the bowling of Seaman (7-0-39-2) led to his downfall. Seaman struck again to remove the stumps of Wright and leave Hingham at 58-3. Change bowlers Mack and Tuthill (6-3-9-2) then put the pressure firmly on the Hingham middle order as they bowled the next 12 overs of the match between them for 34 runs, with 4 wickets falling, including a good run-out from Sizeland as the pressure started to get to Hingham. Tuthill, in fantastic form throughout August taking 14 wickets at an average of 7.36, picked up the wicket of Guy Jnr within his spell, who too had looked dangerous on his way to 22. At 88-7 the game was still very much in the balance. Aldborough’s seamers were bowling well and Hingham were finding it extremely difficult to get bat on ball, particularly off the returning Dingle, who’s second spell of 5 overs included 4 maidens and conceded only one 4 runs. Nethertheless, the partnership of Dix and Cooper had to be broken so skipper Cramp turned to his spin bowler Knight to work his magic. Intent on driving the club forward to promotion, Club Chairman Knight (2-0-2-1) struck instantly with his second ball as Dix, who looked solid on his way to 21 top edged a sweep shot that was caught well by Mack running forward at fine leg. The score was now 107-8. Hingham needed 22 to win and Aldborough needed 2 wickets with the tail firmly exposed. Mack then came steaming in from the other end to take the final two wickets and win Aldborough the game, first removing the stumps of Weston and then the middle stump of Scent in his subsequent over to finish with figures of 9.5-3-28-3. Hingham were all out for 114, giving Aldborough a winning margin of 14 runs.

Jubilant celebrations ensued with Aldborough safe in the knowledge they had obtained the points required to ensure promotion to Division 4. A hard fought game had been played and a fine team effort all round had managed to see Aldborough through to victory.

Knight’s Sporting Ltd Man of the Match: Charlie Mack (24 and 3-28)

Aldborough 6-a-Side Tournament - use ‘gallery’ link on right of homepage to see all the pictures from the day

With the stench of stale beer floating amongst the heavy-eyed contenders and Ben Plumb chewing morosely on a Peppered Steak Slice from Spar after a particularly heavy night, the first match of the tournament got off to a slow-ish start. The Aldborough Lions arrived for the first match and were pitted against the Under 20’s who, still reeling from the celebrations the night before, managed to pull off a victory with Plumby and Armiger batting well to back up good bowling and sharp fielding.
In game 2 the Ash CC were up against the Soggy Biscuits and as they wandered out there was a streaker spotted amongst the ranks! It was Tom Ash, in his speedo trunks that are two sizes too small and nothing else. Tom, on the back of 1 hours sleep, jogged out in his trunks before Vice-Chairman Fisher could pull him back and it was only a complaint from nearby children that shamed the legendary bowler into putting some clothes on. The Soggy Biscuits took advantage of his forced modesty and took the win with good batting from Crampy to seal the deal.
Cannon’s Academicals were next up against the Lions who wilted under the hitting of Holroyd and Fisher and the bowling of Boardy. The Academicals took the win and the Lions roared off home to lick their paws.
The Soggy Biscuits tied up their group with a win over a depleted Aldborough Wednesday and Ash CC picked up a win against them as well to leave the Soggy Biscuits as group winners.
In the final game of the other group the Academicals faced off against the Under 20’s in a ferocious battle. The Academicals batted first and with Cannon hitting 39* and Holroyd 27* the team total of 75 looked challenging. Armiger and Plumb batted superbly well though to lead the chase and win in the final over to win the group and meet the Soggy Biscuits in the final.
After team photos and some wrestling, the game was on. The Biscuits batted first and Swinbourne, taking some heavy sledging from the Under 20’s, led the way with a resolute knock. Meanwhile Mack perished to Tuthill and Cramp was run out. Ray Smith batted well with Swinbourne to set a target of 64.
The Under 20’s started well but both Armiger and Plumb fell in quick succession with the score on 38. Seaman, Tuthill and Bodymore battled on and needed to find ten from the last over. Some good hits led to needing 3 from the final ball to win. A slap to mid wicket meant they took two- a tie! Bowl off!
As the crowd watched on the players each bowled one ball – the most hits out of six attempts would see you win the tournament. The first six bowlers (3 from each side) missed. Then Tuthill struck! Then Armiger struck! The U20’s were two nil up with two left to bowl. Boom – Swinbourne connects! It was down to Harvey Denfield of the Biscuits to tie it up… but his pig of a ball went five feet wide of the stumps and the game was done. Congratulations to the Under 20’s!

Champions – Aldborough Under 20’s
Player of the Tournament  - Ben Plumb

* don’t forget the dinner, FRIDAY OCTOBER 2nd!

Aldborough won four games out of four this weekend with both league sides taking maximum points to set up a final day decider for both Reevo’s 1sts and Bushy’s 2nd XI. Read on for the match reports…

Norfolk League Division One
 
Aldborough 228 for 7 (26) beat Ketteringham Hall 81 for 10 (5) by 147 runs.
 
Aldborough bounced back in emphatic style on Saturday after the disappointment of the previous weeks defeat to Winterton. A maximum point victory in short time and the fact that Rollesby held out to prevent the same for Hardingham meant that Aldborough lie second by virtue of one point.
 
Winning the toss Aldborough batted first and started cautiously, Cooper went early but Fell (30) and Allan (53) set up a platform for the rest of the team. Both batsmen departed when the score was on 91, with Allan passing 800 league runs for the season in doing so. Tom Goodley then took centre stage. Ably supported by Nicholls, Barnard and Plumb he set about the bowling in imperious fashion. Playing classically but with immense power he stroked his way to 95 in just 49 balls with nine fours and six sixes. Selflessly looking for team runs he was caught on the boundary in the last over leaving Aldborough on 228 for 7.
 
In reply and making use of a hard wicket Reeve and B oard were in ruthless form. Board so often the foil to his opening partner was in the wickets this week. He removed the first five batsman with the highlight being a wonder catch by Ben Plumb at square leg to remove Bush. At the other end Reeve bowled maiden after maiden and finished with figures of 12-6-14-2. Board relished in the conditions and with attacking fields continued his spell to take 6 for 40 from his twelve. By this time Ketteringham Hall were 58 for 8 and reeling from the body blows they had been dealt. It was Dingle who finished the job in business like style after a flurry of runs came from the tail enders.
 
This week Aldborough’s cricket was back to the highest standard once again. If they can continue this and adopt the right mind set for what will be a very tough match away to Caister then they are capable of getting the points they need. However the destination of the title may well lie in the vagaries’ of the coin toss in all three contenders matches next week. Whatever the outcome the season has been a dramatic one and surely more twists are to follow on the last weekend.
 
Knights Sporting Limited, Man of the Match – Tom Goodley

Norfolk League Division 5
 
Aldborough A (204/6) beat Lowestoft B (70/10) by 134 runs
 
With three or four teams still in the hunt for the second promotion spot in Division 5 Aldborough were under pressure to hold onto second place and faced the long trip to Lowestoft knowing a loss would effectively end promotion hopes. On an uneven wicket The Greens were put into bat and a solid start from openers Cannon (30) and Holroyd (45) assured the fifty was brought up without too much alarm in the 14th over. Cannon fell soon after bringing youngster Ben Briggs to the crease. He partnered the dogged Holroyd well, hitiing some classy boundaries on his way to a measured 20. Cramp (33) came in and continued the good work with Holroyd batting quietly on at one end and Cramp driving and pulling as a large total looked on. Holroyd perished five short of a maiden league 50 with the score at 145 and Bundock quickly followed trying to up the run rate. Matt Skinnner (34 not out) then came in and set about the Lowestoft attack dispatching a mighty six back over the bowlers head to get him up and running. Cramp was very well caught at slip leaving Nicholson (13) and Skinner to blast 55 in the last ten overs meaning Aldborough closed on 204/6.
 
Excellent bowling from Holroyd saw off the two openers with a great catch from Tuthill the pick of the wickets. Bodymore bowled well from the other end with genuine pace and bounce surprising the Lowestoft batsmen. he struck in his sixth over removing Decoteau and Willimot shortly after. Holroyd was replaced by Smith and Bodymore bowled through a spell of eight overs returning impressive figures of 8-1-28-2.
 
With such a high score to chase on a challenging wicket the batsmen had no answer to the tight seam attack and after some resistance from Ludkin he was bowled by Ray Smith leaving the tail open to the Aldborough seamers. They duly ripped through it with the ever improving Tuthill bagging 4-2-5-4 in a mature display of seam up bowling. Holroyd returned to mop up and claimed the final wicket of Richardson to end with figures of 7.4-3-16-3 to add to an excellent 45 runs making him the Knights Sporting Ltd Man of the Match.

Aldborough now must win their final game at home to Hingham to assure promotion to Norfolk League Division 4.
 
Man of the Match - Mark Holroyd

Sunday Friendly

Aldborough v Happisburgh

Aldborough batted first on a good wicket and, after Swinbourne was run out in the first over, Cannon set about the bowling early racing to a quick 30 before missing a straight one. Fisher, opening with Swinbourne, looked solid at the other end. Ben Howett fell early as did Seaman bringing skipper Cook to the crease. A good twelve from Sue was supported by a powerful bit of striking from Ash Moakes who carried his bat to make 33. Fisher had toiled for the entire 40 overs walking off a hero as he made a season best 61 not out.

In reply, 75 was put on for the first wicket which was taken by Thorogood trapping Raven LBW. Trivett was next in and continued the good work smashing a quick 44 as bowlers Wynett and Moakes struggled in the heat. A great spell of bowling from Adam Brown brought the game back into Aldborough’s grasp as he took the vital wickets of Trivett and Voisey (50), one with a superb diving caught and bowled. Woolston did his best to keep up with the run rate but tight lines from Tuthill, Seaman, Thorogood and Moakes meant that they needed six from the last over to win it.

With a youngster on strike Woolston called him for a crazy single and captain Sue Cooke swooped in the covers to pick up and throw down the stumps to run out the senior man. There was no way back for Happisburgh as Tuthill bowled a superb last over to wrap up a victory for Aldborough, the fourth in as many days.

Thursday Touring Game

Aldborough beat Canvey Island

Cannon’s 61 led the way for Aldborough as they amassed 193/6 with good scores from B Briggs (44), P Reeve (24) and Ben Flanagan (16). In reply Canvey lost early wickets and with a long tail were eventually dismissed for 118 with Bodymore, Flanagan and the impressive Kallis taking two for.

Canvey were good value and the game was played in excellent spirits, hopefully we’ll see them back on The Green next season.

Norfolk League Division One
 
Aldborough (6) 166 for 10 lost to Winterton (26) 211 for 4 by 44 runs
 
 The phrases dropping the baton, choking and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory were cl early on the reading list of Aldborough on Saturday at Winterton when they achieved the worst possible result in their quest for the league title.
 
Outplayed, out battled and out thought were the team who showed so much the week before. Fielding first Aldborough struck early with Reeve removing Austin but it was a case of Winterton taking control from there on in. Roper and Clarke batted well with the former riding his luck being dropped, slicing into gaps and surviving a number of appeals for leg before, but he batted through with patience to score a solid 89.
 
Winterton dug in and reached a moderate 211 for only the loss of four wickets giving them a 5 point to 2, advantage at tea.
 
In reply Aldborough had only to bat the 45 overs to get close to winning this match. But impatience and poor judgement saw the team fall to 40 for 3. Reeve and the impressive Nicholls moved the score onto 90 before the skipper was dismissed by Larner. Nicholls though still had the winning of the game but good pressure by Winterton saw wickets fall and the score stumble to 128 for 8 and the game lost.
 
The only bright spot was the tail wagging of Plumb and Board who added 38 for the 9th wicket with the youngster showing most of his team how to bat with patience and judgement. He scored an excellent 32 not out and that with his excellent fielding was Aldborough’s man of the match. The team managed to scrape only six points and meant they gave up top spot to Hardingham by one point. This means that once again the outcome of the title falls out of their hands.

Knights Sporting Ltd Man of the match - Ben Plumb

Aldborough ‘A’ (6 pts) 159-10 lost to Watton (25pts) 161-7 by 3 wickets in Norfolk Cricket League Division 5

Aldborough ‘A’ welcomed top of the table Watton to The Green this weekend with second-place in the league still in Aldborough’s control.
 
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first in cloudy and windy conditions, openers Fisher and Nicholson set about facing Watton’s potent seam attack of J Norman, G Norman and B Norman. Watton’s bowlers, with pace and bounce, bowled consistent lines and used the hard wicket to their advantage.
 
The windy conditions led to Aldborough’s first wicket falling with the score on 15, with a mix up between the openers resulting in both batsmen ending up at the same end. This brought Armiger to the wicket who looked composed, but after a couple of boundaries perished to a ball that nipping back from J Norman.
 
This brought Cramp to the wicket with the score at 32-2. With the bowlers on top at this point, he sought to grind away and rebuild the innings, assisted by Nicholson. After Nicholson’s wicket fell for 12, Skinner (16), Swinbourne (8) and Seaman (12) all came in and started well but fell shortly afterwards, leaving the score at 106-6 at the end of the 33rd over.
 
Knight, fresh from his holiday and moved up the order after some recent good form, got a bouncing ball first-up, trapping his index finger between bat and ball, causing him to temporarily retire hurt and later also rule him out from bowling. Tuthill came to the wicket in his place and scored a very useful 16.
 
Captain Parfitt brought himself on in the 38th over to bowl his off-spin with the score at 122-6. Seeing an opportunity to capitalise and take the score up to a defendable total, Cramp and Tuthill begin to hit out but after a couple of boundaries Cramp’s wicket was taken, dragging out to long-on and being caught for a steady 34.
 
Bodymore fell soon after to a fantastic catch from G Norman taken one-handed diving away at long-off, which brought Cook to the wicket. He batted well finishing 9 not out as the final wicket of the returning Knight was taken, bowled by J Norman to leave Aldborough’s total at 159, which in difficult conditions against a strong bowling attack was considered a reasonable effort.
 
In response, Watton set off at a high scoring rate, racking up 33 from the first 6 overs before in-form Tuthill struck, trapping Walsh lbw for 12. This triggered a rapid tumbling of wickets as the dangerous B Norman was caught well by Cramp low-down at slip of Seaman for 0, and then Tuthill snapped up two further wickets in his next over, leaving Watton in trouble at 45-4.
 
Bodymore and Cramp came into the attack, but despite bowling some good lines, could not prise out the wickets of the youngsters Darry and Oakey who were rebuilding Watton’s innings. With the score at 89-4 after 22 overs, Cramp reverted to his opening bowlers to break the partnership. Tuthill did just that, bowling Oakey for 13 and finishing with figures of 12-1-44-4 in the process.
 
G Norman came to the wicket and he supported the young Darry, who passed 50 and was looking in exceptional form. After Seaman (10-1-38-1) finished his second spell, Bodymore (7-0-36-0) returned but struggled with his length and the Watton batsmen duly capitalised. Cramp (8-2-27-1) came on for Tuthill and trapped G Norman lbw for 19 in his first returning over to leave the score at 148-6 in the 35th over.
 
In a last attempt to source wickets, Cook (2.4-0-7-1) came on for Bodymore and in tandem with Cramp, made it difficult for the Watton lower order to score. One final wicket of Darry was taken, bowled by Cook for a match winning 71, before Parker hit the winning runs in the 40th over for the loss of seven wickets.
 
After the game, Club Chairman Tim Knight congratulated Watton for their success this season in becoming Division 5 Norfolk Cricket League Champions. With two games to go, away at Lowestoft and home to promotion chasers Hingham, it remains to be seen whether Aldborough ‘A’ will join them in Division 4 next season. It is still within their control as they remain second in the league going in to the penultimate weekend.
 
Knight’s Sporting Ltd Man of the Match: James Tuthill (4-44)

Sunday XI (181/10) beat South Walsham (161/7) by 20 runs

Cookie’s Sunday XI beat South Walsham in a hastily arranged fixture on The Green with help from a classy ’ringer’ to see them home. James Tuthill’s cousin A Waters scored an attractive 77 backed up by Howett (17) and others who got starts but did not go on in total of 181 all out.

In reply good bowling from Seaman and Waters, taking 3 a piece, saw The Greens home.

Norfolk League Division One
Aldborough (23) 179 for 6 beat Hardingham  178 for 6 (7)by four wickets

Rarely in the recent past and certainly since the days when Aldborough were in the Alliance over 15 summers ago have the eleven selected to play, stood up and chose to be counted. Many disappointments at the hands of Ashmanhaugh, Saham Toney and the likes when victories were needed to give the sight of end of season glory have passed with disappointment and fulfillment.

On Saturday Aldborough dared to break that mould and stepped tantalisingly closer to promotion to the Valhalla of Norfolk village cricket ‘The Alliance’. A victory against nearest rivals Hardingham and Rollesby’s defeat of Winterton meant Aldborough opened up a discernible breathing space at the top of the table. The future of the club is certainly not in their hands but the future of the season certainly is. If they can muster sixty more points, which in essence are three victories from the remaining three games then the title will go to empty cabinet that currently has no home.

Entertaining a Hardingham team with top pedigree experience in the brotherly pair of Jason and Barney Goodrum and the energetic youth of Duckham and Howes Aldborough had to look after the details of performance in this match. Winning the toss and fielding was the first moral victory. Hardingham were reduced to 27 for 3 by the bowling pair of Reeve and Board. Board a tall rangy smooth exponent of seam bowling was at times unplayable, partnered by the aggressive combative Reeve, Hardingham were certainly aware they were in a game. Board removed all three though; the pick being an instinctive caught and bowled.

Hardingham in typical fashion fought back. Barney Goodrum, with a tenacious 66 not out steered his side to a total well short of par but one that kept them in the game. Harris, The other Goodrum and Hearne played bit parts but the 178 was never really enough. In the field Aldborough were insatiable. Plumb and Armiger scurried, chased and stopped any ball that dared to be hit near them. Closer in Bacon, Nicholls and keeper Cannon threw themselves at everything and the resultant pressure that built served to keep the home side well on top. However it was so nearly different in the first over when second ball Ash dropped a straight forward chance off Howes. But that was the only blip.

In reply the tone was set first ball when the usually cautious yet measu red pairing of Allan and Cooper, exchange quick singles in Pietersonesque style in the first over. A series of wides and misfields then took the score too sixteen from two and Aldborough were away.

Clearly Allan and Cooper recognised the dangers of Goodrum and Howes and batted to a plan. With a small score to chase the key to winning was a solid start. The pair kept their calm when the frenzy and excitements of loud appeals and near misses were going on. The visitors were rattled and set upon their course of conceding fifty one extras in the innings. Aldborough showed their experience and their new found ability to win.

The opening wicket put on 68 from eighteen, and thereafter Nicholls helped calmly move the score along to 94 at half way. At this point the almost obligatory collapse nearly happened when three wickets fell on that score, which brought together Reeve and Bacon. Hardingham although were vocal at this point never really backed up the conviction they could win. The task was straight forward, less than four an over for twenty overs to win. Reeve not for the first time this season and no doubt not for the last, was required to absorb the pressure and allow the players around him to express themselves. Bacon almost on one leg started the trend and bashed quick runs, Plumb then joined the party. The young batsman clearly playing on nerves soon settled those with a big shot to the boundary. With Captain Reeve he helped advance the score by fifty in as many balls and with some lusty blows all but won the game for Aldborough. However he was dismissed flaying at a straight one, which brought Barnard to the crease. The hero of the week before, then made short work of the remaining runs and led Aldborough home to a deserved victory.

Aldborough are clearly good enough man for man. The have a batting line up that boasts league hundreds for those occupying the late order, where other teams in this division are lucky if a century of runs in a season goes to the man in that position. They have arguably the best attack with the ball too. No less than three players are consistently heralded in the top ten of the division each year. Do they have the temperament to grind out those wins required? The last two weeks they have shown they have. Winterton are the next opponents and clearly at their ground are not going to roll over. So in seven days Aldborough’s ultimate destination will be closer to being known.

KNIGHTS SPORTING MAN OF THE MATCH: Michael Board 12-1-32-4

Norfolk League Division 5
Rocklands ‘A’ (23pts) beat Aldboroough ‘A’ (5pts) by 3 wickets

With Aldborough’s first team vying for promotion to the Norfolk Cricket Alliance, 10-man Aldborough ‘A’ travelled to Rocklands to continue their own push for promotion.

Stand-in skipper Mike Cramp won the toss and elected to bat with the intention of putting runs on the board and thus putting pressure on the chasing team. Unfortunately the pressure soon turned on to Aldborough with 3 quick wickets going down leaving Aldborough reeling at 7-3.

Ben Briggs (29) and Matt Skinner (15) then came together and began to rebuild the innings, with the youngster looking in particularly fine form. The pair moved the score along to 43 at the first drinks interval at 15 overs. Sadly both batsmen went shortly after the interval and it was left to Aldborough’s lower order to salvage a respectable score.

After Tuthill came and went first ball to a fierce delivery from Ledboer, Bodymore (16) and Cook (11) played sensibly and hit the gaps left by Rocklands in the on-side. Seaman (13) provided good support at the end helping to drag the team along to a dismal 104 all out.

Aldborough came out after tea knowing that quick wickets were going to be the only way to get themselves back in the game. The bowlers duly responded. Tuthill struck early removing Doe with a fine catch taken by Cook at gully. Two further wickets fell to the young seam bowler putting the game firmly in the balance with Rocklands at 23-3. The introduction of off-spin from Cramp yielded two further wickets to leave the game finely poised with Rocklands at 51-5.

In his returning spell, Tuthill picked up a further scalp  of Pearce caught by Fisher at gully, to give himself career best figures of 4-34. He also had an appeal for caught behind against the dangerous Dunning, which was given not out, a decision which came to determine the outcome of the result as he went on to make a match winning 44 before being billiantly caught and bowled by the promising Seaman. Hawkins and Ledeboer saw the game home for Rocklands in the 28th over.

Despite another heavy heavy defeat for the under strength A Team, they remain in second place with three to play.

Knight’s Sporting Ltd Man of the Match: James Tuthill (4-34)

Sunday Friendly
Aldborough (124/10) lost to Overstrand (162/10) by 38 runs

With Aldborough only managing to get seven players due to late call off’s and holiday season, it was generous of old friends Overstrand to donate two players to the cause to make a game of it.

Batting first the seaside club totalled 162 all out with good bowling from Seaman earning the youngster 3 wickets. Cramp starred with the ball though, twirling down his off spinners to claim 4 for 33.
In reply it was Seaman who starred with a controlled and stylish 42, his highest score for the club. Fisher backed him up wqith a solid 36 to end a series of low scores for the left handed opener.

On debut, Aldbrough Lions Football Club Manager Adam Brown did well taking a wicket and scoring 14 as he became the 57th player to turn out for Aldborough this year.

Read on for all four match reports from the weekend:

Norfolk League Division One

Aldborough 181 for 6 (25points) beat Shipdham 161 for 10 (7points)

Aldborough survived a nail biting finish to move to the top of division one with a 26 run victory over Shipdham. Ashley Barnard and Paul Reeve with four wickets apiece starred with the ball after the Greens were restricted to only 187 after winning the toss and batting.

With the onset of each game and every point appearing to hold more significance the decision to bat first looked a miscalculation when the Shipdham opening pair of Cator and Ellis removed the dangerous Allan cheaply. The pair then bowled tight lines and the hosts fielded with great energy to keep Cooper and Fell in check and the team score at only 65 from 28 overs.

When Cooper fell after an attempt to push the rate on for 37, Dingle was promoted to give the innings impetus. The momentum began to swing with some energetic blows but it was not until Reeve and Bacon came together with the score at 114 for 4 off 37 overs.

The pair added 68 quick runs in 38 balls with Bacon in full driving and cutting mode racing to 42 in short time . He was out going for one more quick blow but the pair with Reeve finishing on 40 not out managed to rescue a total out of the dire start.

In reply Reeve had the home side reeling at 8 for 2, with Cooper taking a superb catch at slip to remove Hammond. However, Stagles with the obdurate Cator steadied nerves for Shipdham. Firstly they saw o ff Reeve then the home skipper punished width and scored freely off the change bowling of Allan. The score moved on at a good rate and Shipdham began to sense the chance of victory.

Good bowling changes slowed the rate down with Reeve and Dingle putting the brakes on proceedings but it was not until the experienced Ashley Barnard took the ball did it look as if the impressive Stagles would be dismissed. With his second ball and with the help of a great catch at gully from Bacon, Barnard removed the home skipper.

Good pressure in the field and catches from Plumb and Cooper meant wickets were falling despite this the runs required column was ever decreasing. It was Barnard again with three wickets in one over that turned the game to Aldborough. Dismissing the dangerous Hunt meant that the Shipdham’s tail had to wag. However Barnard and then captain Reeve (11-2-33-4) in tandem stifled any hope of this, finishing the game off taking the last five wickets for four runs and winning a match that could have easily gone the other way.

KNIGHTS SPORTING LTD MOM: Ashley Barnard (7-0-30-4)

Aldborough ‘A’ (5pts) Lost to Old Catton ‘A’ (22pts) by 6 Wickets

Stand in skipper Charlie Mack won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a dry, flat track. Aldborough lost 2 quick wickets with Cramp mistiming a drive to the covers, and Nicholson soon following him. Sizeland joined Mack at the crease and the pair batted together for 20 overs farming the strike until Mack was bowled for 40. Sizeland batted well and continued to 28 before he too was dismissed. Tuthill and Bodymore came and went leaving Cook and Swinbourne to try and salvage something from the innings. The pair batted cautiously on what was proving to be an unpredictable pitch and when Cook lost his wicket Moakes arrived at the crease to hit a respectable 13 Not Out off the last 2 overs. Aldborough A ending up on a disappointing 126.

Bodymore and Tuthill opened the bowling, and both bowled some tight lines, but for all their excellent bowling no wickets were produced. Pratt and Sizeland were first change bowlers and Pratt made the break through Aldborough needed in his second over with a peach of a delivery bowling the Old Catton opener middle stump. After another 8 overs Mack changed things around again to keep the batsmen on their toes and brought himself and Knight into the attack. Some great spin bowling from Knight ensured that he stayed on to bowl 10 overs taking 1-23, and was unlucky not to get more wickets with the batsmen lofting balls all over the pitch uncontrollably. Mack took a wicket with a good rising ball – caught behind by the impressive Nicholson, and suddenly Old Catton were under pressure. At 62-3 after 25 overs Aldborough were still in with a massive chance of victory. However this was not to be and Old Catton took a grip of the match with a youngster coming in and hitting 41 off a few overs to win the match with just 5 overs to spare. A disappointing loss for the greens, when perhaps only another 25 runs would have ensured victory.

MOM: Ben Sizeland (28 runs and some good swing bowling)

Sunday Friendly -

Mattishall (106 all out) beat Aldborough (80 all out) by 26 runs

Aldborough Sunday XI bowled first on a damp wicket with Tom Seaman and James Tuthill opening the bowling. The batsmen only had one thing in mind and that was attacking everything. Smith(17) was got by Jupp with an excellent catch by Seaman and Bingham(27) was Bowled by Knight. Livings(0) was Jupps second wicket LBW and S Thorogood got his first 40 over wicket getting Thacker who last time got 77 against the greens. Biss got the wicket of Forder bowling him for 8. Knight continued to be lucky taking wickets with the bad ball and finishing with figures of 7.4-1-13-5. During the Aldborough innings a horribke accident occurred and with the Mattishall batsmen hitting the ball up in the end a sliding Tuthill collided with Jupp both showing great commitment to getting the chairman another wicket. Unfortunately Leo Jupp came off worst and play was suspended whilst and ambulance was called for him because he had broken his leg. With Jupp safely in the ambulance Aldborough got Mattishall all out for 106.

The greens thought this would be an achievable total but they batted poorly. Opener Seaman got 7 and was bowled, Tuthill got 2 and the edged to slip and Bodymore was bowled for 9 after seeing 3 partners and batting for 10 overs. Farrow(2) and Skinner(0) went quickly and Moakes got a duck. Knight offered the only resistance scoring 24 runs. Howett got 4, Cook 1, Thorogood 1 and Biss 2no. Yet again the Sunday team top order failed and Aldborough sank to a disappointing loss.

All at Aldborough Cricket Club would like to wish Leo Jupp a speedy recovery. We hope that his leg gets better as soon as possible and cannot wait to see him back on a cricket pitch. Get well soon, Leo.

MOM – Tim Knight

Monday - Touring Game

St Margaretsbury (169-8) beat Aldborough (167 all out) by 2 wickets

On a warm summers afternoon St Margaretsbury, on tour from Hertfordshire, were invited to choose what they would like to do by skipper Bodymore. They decided to have a field and so J Cooke (Old Catton and Tim Knight’s friend) and Troy Allan went out to bat. Cooke came back soon after for 2 and the formidable Allan got 19. Flanagan(3) and Fell(5) left the score at 41-5 after Moakes got a duck. This brought B Plumb and Fisher together and the pair batted well together, with Plumb showing a high level of talent for all to see. 16 year old Plumb played some lovely shots but was bowled for an excelent 49. Fisher got 18 but stuck around and assisted Plumb well. 17 year old skipper Bodymore came and went for a duck as did Seaman but for the second day running chairman Knight showed that he can still handle a bat. Along with Tuthill he played some lovely shots and got himself 23 runs before getting out last ball of the innings. Tuthill made his intentions clear with a 6 off the first ball he faced and finished on 13no.

With 167 the total Aldborough came out believing that they could get a result here and some fantastic pace bowling by T. Allan and T.Seaman really got aldborough off to a good start with Allan getting the wicket of Richards for 8. Impresive youngster Tuthill finished with figures of 8-2-17-2. He got Tillbury for 19 and Spencer for 23. The St Margretsbury batsmen batted well playing some lovely shots with Flanagan being chased round the field by the ball. Flanagan took two catches but also dropped two as well. Tim Knight continued his good weekend with figures of 6-0-29-2. Moakes was given the ball and took a little bit of punishment with the Margaretsbury batsmen really punishing any bad balls. Seaman came back on along with Allan who bowled spin this time. Seaman got his second wicket of the match caught behind by Bodymore. And Spencer was run out by superb fielding by specialist fielder B. Howett who fooled the batsmen into running 3 before using his bullet arm to get the ball to Bodymore to take the bails off. The last over was given to Plumb who hadn’t bowled in a game for nearly 3 years; he went for 9 off the over and St Margretsbury won the game. A good day was had by all and both teams drank together after the game.

Man Of the Match B Plumb for his excellent 49.