Halvergate ended their Norfolk League season with another disappointing batting performance and defeat at Aylsham St Giles.

Halvergate won the toss and decided to bat on a warm afternoon.

They lost their first wicket in the third over when Stuart Willimott was run out for three with the score on 10. Sam Utting fell for 19 after some quick run scoring while Steve Utting was caught for seven and James Howley trapped lbw for a duck, all with the score on 39, and four wickets were down in the 11th over.

Perry Kelf (25) offered some resistance but with Graham Morris (0), Danny Cook (6), Adam Pitchers (0), Jack Cooley (2) and Amy Morris (2) all falling to Aylsham’s bowlers the innings closing on 97 all out. Graham Harrop remained unbeaten on nought and the top scorer of extras at 33 boosted the total somewhat.

After tea Bingham started to dominate the bowling on a track offering bounce off a length and Danny Cook had Hudson caught behind for two in the seventh over.

Bingham was bowled by Harrop for 45 in the 17th and Deller caught for 30 in the 19th, but the score had moved to 79 and Aylsham were closing in on victory. Jakir Hussain was also caught to give Halvergate a fourth wicket with two runs required but Aylsham comfortably crossed the line in the 23rd over.

Halvergate’s bowlers returned figures of: Danny Cook 1 for 16, Adam Pitchers 0 for 24, Graham Harrop 3 for 25, Amy Morris 0 for 13 and James Howley 0 for 10. There were catches for Steve Utting, Danny Cook and Adam Pitchers.

The season ended with Halvergate finishing sixth in their first season in Division Two East and they are looking forward to 2018. Thanks go to those that have worked hard behind the scenes and to the players who have shown commitment to the club.

In the top flight Saxlingham sealed their expected title as they piled up 235-7 against Great Yarmouth on the final weekend. However, Steve Hak gatecrashed the party as he amassed 165 as the visitors won by three wickets, finally getting home in the 43rd over.

It was a second straight win for the visitors - but their fate had already been sealed and they will be playing second flight cricket next summer.