ACLE entertained Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers on Saturday at a gloomy Bridewell Lane. The start time was deferred until 3pm and overs reduced to 35 per side due to the poor weather conditions.

ACLE entertained Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers on Saturday at a gloomy Bridewell Lane. The start time was deferred until 3pm and overs reduced to 35 per side due to the poor weather conditions.

Acle settled for a 90 per cent losing draw, picking up 10 points.

Although the conditions were not good for bowling or fielding, Acle put in their worst performance of the season in the field, and although they remain in third place in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division, they know that standards will have to be raised in order to compete with Vauxhall Mallards tomorrow.

Acle groundsman Kevin Gilbert had done a marvellous job in keeping the wicket dry, so it was no surprise that Wanderers elected to bat first, especially as the outfield was wet.Acle made a good start when Jon Lee had opener Macintosh caught at second slip by Matt Short with the score on one.

Overseas recruit Lindon Brown joined skipper Young, and the pair batted positively, scoring quick runs, particularly Young.

Acle made a vital breakthrough with the score on 76, young Josh Rowe snaring Young, caught behind by Huggins for a quickfire 53. Ingrams (0) fell shortly after, caught by Paul Munford off the bowling of Rowe.

At 79-3, Acle sensed the chance of a collapse, but sensible batting by Brown and Elliott steadied the ship. Brown began to accelerate, and creamed the off-colour Acle bowlers to all areas of the park. He finished up on 87 not out, with good support from Elliott (36).

With the conditions improving for the fielding team, Acle knew it would be a tough task, but not impossible, to chase down 191 in 35 overs. Rob Porter and Adam Munford started in positive fashion and put on 76 before Munford was caught off the bowling of Young

for 16.

This was the start of a collapse as Acle lost five wickets for just 24 runs. Brown was looking particularly sharp, and the Acle batsmen found it difficult to score. Paul Newman steadied the ship, and gradually began to gain in confidence and looked to get after the Coltishall bowling. He smashed the attack to all parts of the ground, and with good support from Tom Wilson, left Acle with a daunting task of scoring 34 runs off the last over to win.

The first two balls were prompted despatched for six over mid-wicket, the third a straight four, but Newman was caught off the fourth ball of the over and the win was no longer an option.

Canary Caravan Transport man of the match: Paul Newman for his swashbuckling 58.

Acle Cricket Club are hosting a race night at Acle Social Club tomorrow. The first race is at 8pm, and everyone is welcome. Entry is free.