Martham CC have made their best ever start to a season with both of their Norfolk League teams flying high and unbeaten.

The first team are setting a hot pace in Norfolk League Divison Two having won all six of the matches played and playing some very enertaining cricket in the process.

The second team are top of Division Seven also undefeated in all of the five matches played.

On Saturday the first team entertained Belton and batted first. With opener Jack Whatmough joined by Brett Colclough the runs began to mount.

Whatmough went scoring 41 and Colclough went on to score a very good 68. Backed up by good innings from Rob Silverwood (38), Alex Sayer (20) and Sim Randell (22no) Martham accumulated a very creditable 224 for 7.

In reply Belton got off to a steady start but eventually the Martham bowling got on top with Whatmough (3-29) Sayer (2-25) and Randell (2-37) finally reducing Belton to 161 for 9 at the close – 63 runs short. A very good team performance leaves Martham well clear at the top of the table.

The second team travelled to take on fellow high-flyers Great Witchingham B and were put into bat on a very wet difficult pitch.

Wickets fell rapidly but Ian Fairbrother was the only person able to handle the conditions. Martham were skittled out for a disa

ppointing 93 with Fairbrother batting through with 56 not out and extras being the only other to reach double figures.

In reply Martham soon had the home team in trouble and thanks to very clever captaincy decisions and good bowling by Ollie Sayer and Courtney Randell plus tremendous teamwork the opposition were all out for 79. Against all odds they achieved an excellent win by 14 runs.

On Sunday Martham entertained Beccles in the Lady Mary Trophy and despite the visitors playing six divisions above, gave a good account for themselves.

Beccles batted first and patiently accumulated 226-7 with Greg Evans being the best Martham bowler.

In reply Martham soon got behind the run rate and despite Ian Fairbrother’s gritty 49 and some resistance from Alex Sayer and Matt Beckett, Martham were all out for 162. Taking into consideration the league differential it was a very good performance.