HEMSBY made the mile-long journey to play rivals Winterton. A wet pitch greeted both sides for a vital encounter. For the winner likely promotion, the loser another year in Norfolk League Division Four.

Dan Crawley and Mark Hambrook began well and got Winterton off to a good start. Then Hudson removed Crawley, well caught by Dack.

Louie Smith soon removed N Crawley. Now the visitors began to turn the screw as Lawes fell 2nd ball, Smith then nicked one to Nicholson and Hambrook fell well caught by Ryan – all three wickets to Hudson who took 4-36 from his 12 overs.

With the tail already exposed Thackeray tried to farm the strike. Eventually he fell to Dack, well caught by Louie Smith for a well-played 30.

Matt Debnam then finished the Winterton innings with a hat-trick.

This left the home side 160 all out at tea. Hemsby’s innings began calmly until Hudson was caught behind off a lifting ball. Ryan and Dack soon followed, leaving Hemsby’s reply on 27-3. Winterton could now see their chance.

But Hemsby’s man in a crisis Alan Maxwell was still at the crease. He began running quick singles and hitting the odd bad ball for four.

Louie Smith, 16, began steadily but then started to take the bowling apart.

A 133 partnership ended only when Smith fell for a well-played 73, caught off Thackeray. Maxwell saw his side home with a superb 49not out. For the visitors it was a well-earned double.

Bricklayers Arms Mand of the Match: Alan Maxwell.