HALVERGATE have made a good start to their first season in Norfolk Cricket Alliance Division Five, thanks in no small part to captain Steven Clarke's contribution with the bat.

HALVERGATE have made a good start to their first season in Norfolk Cricket Alliance Division Five, thanks in no small part to captain Steven Clarke's contribution with the bat.

He has scored a half-century in each of the first four games, giving him an impressive total of 239 runs and an average of 119.50.

The opening game of the season at Bradenham A resulted in a last-ball victory for the Hares after they chased down 187.

Steven Clarke was run out for 77 and 15-year-old Luke Hannant scored 57.

Eighteen-year-old pace bowler Tom Booth took five for 40.

Halvergate managed only a losing draw in the second game at home to Rocklands.

Defoe scored 140 for Rocklands. Halvergate's Clarke was run out again

for 59.

A comprehensive victory followed at Topcroft A, when Halvergate were set a meagre 69-run target.

They knocked these off in eight overs, with Clarke scoring 50 not out.

They enjoyed another convincing victory at the weekend at home to league leaders Brooke A.

Brooke were bowled out for 111, with Tim Crane taking three for 18 from 12 overs and Danny Cook taking four for 32.

Clarke scored 53 not out and Simon Brister 42 not out, resulting in a nine-wicket win, putting Halvergate top of Division Five.

This is Halvergate's first season in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance, having moved from the Norfolk Cricket League in the restructuring.