Acle A beat Sprowston A by five wickets in their Norfolk Aliance Division Three season-opener.

After skipper Shane Tovell won the toss and elected to field, Acle probably fielding their strongest side for many years, made a good start into the Sprowston batting. Having returned from his brief spell at Hardingham, Josh Rowe bowled with pace and accuracy and soon had the experienced Glozier briliantly caught behind by Tovell for 6.

Wily campaigner Barnham, operating from the pavilion end toiled away with his usual nagging medium pace and had the other opener Spilling caught by Josh Wilson for 9.

Wilson then entered the attack and removed dangerman Roff for 14. Michael Handley, Neil Grady and debutant Andy Spaxman all bowled good spells, but Wilson’s figures were particularly impressive (2-9 from 7 overs). The Sprowston middle order dug in and dragged the score up to 109-6 at the close of the innings.

Acle openers Tovell and Paul Munford started off in typically aggressive style, until Tovell misjudged a short ball from Niblet and was caught pulling for 6. Peter Nobbs joined Munford and the pair looked comfortable with runs flowing nicely, but with the score on 46, Munford misjudged a leg side delivery thinking it had passed the keeper, only to then find his bails removed by the keeper when he left his crease looking for a run.

Runs then came difficult to find, and maidens were frequent, and with Ward (2), Sidell (5) and Rowe (4) all back in the hutch it was left to Nobbs (40no) and Josh Wilson (10no) to finish off proceedings and seal the win for Acle with four overs to spare.

A great start by Acle who were worthy winners. Tomorrow away to league leaders Garboldisham.

MoM: Peter Nobbs for his match winning 40no.

Luke Findlay hit an unbeaten half century as Fakenham crushed Acle in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division, reaching their target with seven wickets in hand after Acle had posted 123-9.