Cricket indoors and out

East Norfolk Sixth Form College: What looked on paper like a potentially even cricket cup final resulted in a clear-cut win for Lewis Chapman's team “Ruth's Rambos” (pictured) by three wickets over “Ari G's Geezers,” captained by injury-hampered Aarish Grover.

Batting first in this 10-overs format, Ari G's had Jack Newman (22) to thank for getting them to 38 all out as James Shreeve and Elliot Gooch both claimed two wickets in two balls. In reply, Sam Goffin (10) was caught by Newman off Ryan Brown's bowling and Chapman fell to Grover for nine but Gooch and Adam Palmer saw them safely home.

The play-off match for third place was a much closer affair, going to the very last over with all results possible. The staff team got off to a good start through Mark Armitage (18) and Nick Marler (19) before a fight back by “KFC Crusaders” led by Ben Foster saw four wickets fall for eight runs , only for Chris Duffy (18 not out) to provide a late flourish.

Needing 68 to win, Crusaders looked home and dry at 60 for two only for two wickets to fall leaving eight needed off the last five balls. A last-ball six gave Crusaders the victory.

A special thanks goes to student Adam Robertson who has regularly umpired throughout the winter indoor season, a tough task willingly taken on.

SOUTH Walsham were soundly beaten in their first game of the season against Halvergate.

Batting first, Walsham looked a bit rusty and struggled against the Halvergate attack with skipper Tom Booth using nine bowlers.

Booth proved a bit of a handful as did Tim Crane, who bowled very tidily taking 3-8 off 11 overs. Only Chris Woods stayed at the crease for any length of time scoring an excellent 40 aided by a hard-hit 36 from skipper Paul Woods. No one else managed to reach the 20 mark and Walsham struggled to an average total of 153-8.

Halvergate batted aggressively in their reply, with the Howley brothers particularly hitting the ball to all parts. Steve Cooke held the innings together with a steady 36 not out while Steve Howley hit a quick 48 until he was well caught on the boundary by Garth Futter.

Halvergate were always in charge and reached 155-4 to win by six wickets with nine overs to spare. Chris Woods was Walsham's most successful bowler with 2-28 from nine overs.

Upton White Horse man-of-the-match: Chris Woods, excellent innings and a good stint of bowling.

HEMSBY'S season began with a friendly at home to Blundeston.

Hudson lost the toss and was asked to bat on a green Waters Lane pitch. The home side lost Ryan in the first over to a good ball and then Louie Stronach in the fourth over with the score on eight.

Hudson and Colclough then added 133 off the next 13 overs before Colclough fell for a well played 52. When Hudson fell for 89 in the 22nd over the home teams score had sunk to 180-8. Rod Taylor and Josh Seago each made 21 batting together, the latter not out. Hemsby were all out for 245 in the 37th over.

Blundeston's reply was dominated by Verma who made 80. For Hemsby, Louie Smith bowled really well taking 2-59, figures which do not do justice to him. Blundeston's innings ended on 231-6. Man-of-the-match: Louie Smith.

On Sunday a young side travelled to Bressingham and Redgrave. Ryan won the toss and decided to bat.

Hudson (32) and Ryan began well but were only supported by Tye with 25 and Joe Smart (15 not out), the innings closing on 139-9.

Dawson hit 94 not out to see the home side to victory by seven wickets. Pick of the bowlers Matt Box with 2-30. Man-of-the-match: 11-year-old Connor Adlesse who batted 12 overs, bowled four good overs and took a good catch.

Hemsby Cricket Club's junior coaching takes place on Tuesdays at the Waters Lane playing field. Anyone wishing to learn the game are welcome, the club has three junior teams. Coaching is between 6-7.30 pm. All coaches are CRB checked.

For more information call Richard Hudson on 01493 740694.