ACLE completed a second win of the weekend on Sunday to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carter Cup, beating fellow Alliance Premier Division side Topcroft by 95 runs, Australian Haydn Murray delivering his second successive century in the competition.

ACLE completed a second win of the weekend on Sunday to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carter Cup, beating fellow Alliance Premier Division side Topcroft by 95 runs, Australian Haydn Murray delivering his second successive century in the competition.

Acle returned to Alliance winning ways on Saturday with a comprehensive 159-run victory over North Runcton.

In the Carter Cup, captaining the side for the first time in the absence of the injured Paul Munford, Dave Huggins won the toss and chose to bat on a good-looking wicket. However, when Acle were reduced to 6-2 their plans were in danger of being derailed.

An excellent counter-attack by Murray and Tom Wilson dug the home side out of their early problems, before Wilson departed for a classy 41. Huggins joined Murray and the pair made it to lunch with the score 150-3 off 35 overs and Acle on top.

After the interval the partnership continued to prosper, with some excellent running between the wickets putting pressure on the visitors. Murray reached a second consecutive century in the competition (107) and Huggins eventually fell for a cultured 69, leaving the stage set for a final onslaught. Again Acle struggled to carry their momentum through to the end of the innings as a succession of wickets stemmed the flow of runs. A final total of 278-9 from their 60 overs was still an imposing target for Topcroft, however.

Acle's seam attack bowled with control, if not penetration, and the visitors looked set to challenge having reached 60 without loss. The introduction of spin twins Murray and Roberts created further pressure however, and their reward came in the form of three quick wickets, each courtesy of fine catches which capped another good fielding display from Acle.

With Acle's spinners exerting a stranglehold, Topcroft strangely chose not to take any risks and the game petered out with victory for the home team assured. Topcroft's opener Todd completed an unbeaten century shortly before the game ended, but the slowness of the innings made this a somewhat Pyrrhic achievement.

Acle will be pleased with another strong team performance and particular thanks go to sponsor Paul High and the boisterous home support for creating a lively atmosphere.

MoM sponsored by Paul High: Haydn Murray.

On Saturday Acle had a comprehensive 159-run victory over North Runcton.

Batting first, Acle restored Adam Munford to the top of the order and he immediately looked comfortable, helping to negotiate a hostile opening spell from South African Clint Berkenshaw before pushing the score along at an increasing rate.

Acle had reached 86 before Munford was dismissed, but another strong partnership developed between Murray and Porter, taking the total to 162 when Porter was bowled for a fine 75. The platform was set for an expansive finish but not for the first time this season a cluster of wickets caused the innings' momentum to stall.

Some late blows from skipper Munford and Paul Newman provided some late impetus and Acle were ultimately happy with 248-8.

In defence of their total Acle were handed the ideal start thanks to a terrific opening spell from Josh Rowe who added some much needed hostility to the attack. Rowe captured a trio of wickets and was ably supported by veteran Neil Grady who chipped in with two, to reduce the visitors to 40-5.

Shaun Hemeter briefly offered some resistance but Murray followed his earlier half-century with four wickets and Rowe returned to deservedly capture a fourth wicket as Runcton were skittled for just 89.

The win returned Acle to the top three in the Premier Division and was just reward for an excellent all-round performance, with a much improved fielding display a particular highlight.

MoM sponsored by Paul High: Haydn Murray.