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Cromer travel to Tas
Carter Cup fixtures announced
Cromer start their Carter Cup campaign with a trip to Hethersett and Tas Valley's picturesque ground.
H&TV are one of the county's up-and-coming clubs, with former Cromer player Matt Ellis at the helm, and it will be a good test for the club as they look to improve their recent Carter Cup record.
Warnes retains Player of the Year title
All-rounder rewarded for fine season
Michael Warnes took the top honour at the annual club dinner at the Cliftonville Hotel.
Warnes was crowned Player of the Year after a superb 2010 which cemented his place as one of the county's most promising cricketers.
Paul Winterbone claimed the 2nd XI Player of the Season with 30 wickets at 15.03, while Jack Van Greuning took the Sunday PoY and John Battrick Young Player of the Year.
Indoor team march on
Cromer dominant under lights
Cromer have two wins from their first two matches in the group stages of the North Walsham Indoor Cricket League.
Week One: v Worstead - Cromer 152 - 3, Worstead 47 all out.
Team was T. Davies, Keeble, Brown, Payne, Turner and Buck.
Davies 34, Turner 32, Buck 25, Keeble 18.
Worstead 4 down after 3 overs, Keeble two sharp catches
Week Two: v UEA (including James Craske) - UEA 47 all out, Cromer won after 3.5 overs for loss of one wicket.
Team was Brown, Payne, Turner, Buck, Gascoyne and Carey.
Turner 24no, Gascoyne 16.
UEA humbled by tight bowling from Payne, Turner and Carey with Buck and Brown chipping in with wickets. Two run outs sealed the fate of the inexperienced students who had no answer to the the tactical knowledge of a tight Cromer unit.
Last Sunday the Sunday Indoor League team played Aldborough and won convincingly for the third week in succession.
R. Keeble, A. Buck, P. Gascoyne and C. Brown all retired on 25+ as the Crabs racked up a huge total of 156-1. Aldborough were all out for 80 with 2 wickets for the German 'bein schpinner' and 3 run outs. The Cromer team was T. Davies, Brown, Buck, Gascoyne, Keeble and Turner.
This Sunday sees Cromer play their final group match, against fierce rivals Bradfield, although our top league placing is already secured with the three victories so far. Skipper Davies has the luxury of up to ten players from whom to select, and this has already proved vital as unavailability and heavy Saturday evening consumption has and will continue to take it's toll over the coming weeks and months.
Cromer survive by one wicket
Collapse sparks fears but Downham ride to rescue
Cromer v North Runcton: Runcton 140; Cromer 64; CROMER LOSE BY 78 runs
Cromer v Dereham: Cromer 356-6; Dereham 66; CROMER WIN BY 290 runs
Cromer survived a massive scare on the final day of the league season to keep their place in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Divison.
Needing just eight points to secure their status for 2011, the Crabs were on the right track at tea after dismissing high-flying North Runcton for 140, Michael Warnes taking six wickets in another fantastic spell of pace bowling. But Cromer collasped to a paltry 64 all out, giving them a meagre total of five points and signalling a series of subtle phone calls to the Acle clubhouse, where champions Downham were the visitors.
Acle required nine points more than Cromer at the start of the day's play, and were in a great position after making 205-8 to give them four batting points. And ominously for Cromer Downham lost nine wickets and looked to have let Acle in for the win that would have sealed the home side's Premier Division slot - and sent Cromer down. But try as they might Acle just couldn't find a way through the same last-wicket partnership that had thwarted Cromer's hopes of a win earlier in the season, and the match finished with Acle regelated after ther winning draw left them with fifteen points - crucially eight less than Cromer.
So the Crabs cling on by the skin of their teeth - and one Downham wicket. The celebrations for another year at the top level will be tempered by the realisation that the second half of the season has been a generally poor display, and will need several long hard looks in the mirror during the close season if 2011 is to deliver the results that the strength of the squad deserves.
The Second XI finished their triumphant campaign in some style, dispatching a very young Dereham side by a massive 290 runs.
Billy Payne starred with the bat, hitting a superb 183 as Cromer ran up 356, before dismissing Dereham for 66 to put the icing on their promotion as champions. Harder tests await in Division Four next year.
Warnes pushes 1sts closer to safety
Great knock from all-rounder at the Norton as 2s win nailbiter
Cromer v Lowestoft: Lowestoft 200-6; Cromer 203-6; CROMER WIN BY 4 WKTS
Cromer v Stow: Stow 134; Cromer 135-9; CROMER WIN BY 1 WKT
Warnes contemplates his latest adventure, and
Downes - the returning Second XI hero
Cromer superstar Michael Warnes gave his side a massive boost in their search for Norfolk Alliance Premier Division safety at the Norton Warnes.
Chasing Lowestoft's 200-6, Warnes rescued his side from 45-4 with a superb 75 to seal the win for Cromer, together with invaluable runs from the big-hitting Ben Clarke, who smashed 28 off four overs at the top of the innings, Gavin Neale with a cool 35, his brother Kevin and stand-in skipper Deano, who was there at the end to see Cromer home for 21 crucial points.
There was real drama at Stow as champions Cromer - fielding a dramatically weakened side - won with just one wicket to spare. Stow had been bowled out for 134 in an impressive bowling performance on a spicey pitch, 13-year-old Alex Craske taking 4-30 including two in two balls, and Steven Downes, returning to league action after thirteen years, taking an absolutely blinding one-handed catch in the gully to get the ball rolling for the Crabs.
However, skipper Alan Lithins tore muscles in his shoulder while gathering a wild return, and Cromer haemorraged wickets as they struggled to cope with the run-chase. At 49-6 they were in real trouble, but that man Downes stemmed the flood of wickets with some obstinate defence, and with Craske throwing the bat the total inched up above the 100 mark.
With Craske eventually giving Stow skipper Cooke his fifth wicket, injured Cromer captain Lithins hobbled to the crease at number 10. Downes continued his stubborn vigil as Lithins picked off the bad balls until - with just young Brett Lithins waiting to bat - Downes was heart-wrenchingly bowled with just five required. Stow sensed the win, but as Brett came to the wicket, the home side realised that Downes had fallen off the last ball of the over. Old man Lithins duly smashed a sublime cover drive to bring the scores level, then the father-and-son pair scrambled a single to bring up the win to keep Cromer's winning record intact.
Champion Twos win again but Firsts sniff danger
Dominant Second XI clinch Division Five title as Davies' men lose thriller
Cromer v Acle: Cromer 69; Acle 70-9 CROMER LOSE BY 1 WKT
Cromer v Vauxhall Mallards B: Cromer 154; Mallards 102 CROMER WIN BY 52 RUNS
Skipper Davies knew he should have called Tails, and
Dingle - riding high with 3-42
It was a day of mixed fortunes for the Crabs, as the Second XI sealed the Norfolk Alliance Division Five championship, while their senior counterparts found themselves flirting with relegation from the Premier Division.
Alan Lithins led from the front with another league 50, but the usually freescoring Twos were restricted to 154 all out on a damp track at the Norton Warnes. However it made no difference as the Cromer bowlers stuffed out the visitors for a paltry 102 - Billy Payne 3-21 including a stunning caught-and bowled, Kristian Regis 3-41, and two each for Paul Winterbone and Alex Craske - to bring up the win and the 18 points needed to take the title.
The First XI also came up against a less-than-perfect pitch at Acle, and the loss of a toss that they would have dearly liked to have won. Although Dave Turner, Kieron Tuck and Gav Neale gave the Crabs a solid start, the middle/lower order folded at the hands of the Acle attack and Cromer were hustled out for just 69, at which point the game seemed all but over.
But the Cromer bowlers had other ideas, led by Michael Warnes who took six wickets, and Chris Carey with three, and fought back magnificently to take the game to the brink before a wide gave the last Acle pair the win by just one wicket.
Cromer are now just 14 points above Acle at the bottom of the table, although even fourth-placed Mallards aren't clear of the relegation equation with two games left in the season. The Crabs host Lowestoft and then travel to North Ructon on the final day, whilst Acle face Brooke away and champions Downham at home.
Premier Division remaining fixtures
21/08/2010
Brooke vs Acle
Cromer vs Lowestoft Town
Diss vs Vauxhall Mallards A
Downham Town vs Old Buckenham
Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers vs North Runcton
28/08/2010
Acle vs Downham Town
Lowestoft Town vs Brooke
North Runcton vs Cromer
Old Buckenham vs Diss
Vauxhall Mallards A vs Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers
Stunning Seconds promoted
Lithins' men up with three weeks to spare as Payne destroys Melton
Cromer v Old Buckenham: Bucks 202-9; Cromer DNB; MATCH ABANDONED - RAIN
Cromer v Great Melton A: Melton 80; Cromer 82-0 CROMER WIN BY 10 WKTS
Blond blast - Clarke (53*) and Bond (32*) did the damage with the bat at Melton
Paceman Billy Payne blew Great Melton away to seal Cromer 2s promotion to Norfolk Alliance Division Four with a 10-wicket win.
Payne took 4-20 as Melton were bundled out for a meagre 80, with Paul Winterbone and Pete Gascoyne claiming a couple each. With the Melton innings over quickly the plan was for ten overs of the Cromer reply before tea, but Ben Clarke and Nick Bond had other ideas as they crashed the shell-shocked home bowling around the park to bring up the win in just eight overs, Clarke hitting a brutal 53* and Bond an unbeaten 32.
The win means that third-placed Brooke are now 77 points behind Cromer, guaranteeing the Crabs at least second place, and leaving them needing 18 points in the last three fixtures against the bottom trio to take a well-deserved championship title.
Skipper Alan Lithins paid tribute to his side.
"Although we won't be celebrating until we've won the league, this promotion is a real testament to a magnificently consistent team. I've been able to pick the same nine or ten every week, and those players have been head and shoulders above anything else in this division.
"Five batsmen (Lithins, Gascoyne, Gav Neale, Kev Neale and Clarke) have scored over 2000 league runs between them, and Winterbone, Payne and Gascoyne have taken the lion's share of the wickets.
"But the real key has been the team spirit, with committed individuals like Dave Green turning up every week to be a star in the field and then sit with his pads on waiting for his chance. Green has only batted once in the league this season, but the promotion is down to great players like him as much as the lads who have the numbers to their names."
Chairman John Graveling offered his congratulations.
"It's a fine achievement and it means that the club's aim to narrow the gap between the two Saturday sides is a step closer. Hopefully they can seal the title in the next couple of weeks and enjoy their celebrations."
The First XI game against strugglers Old Buckenham was rained off at tea, with Cromer poised to chase down Bucks' 202. It was frustration for Cromer, as the points for a win would have eased them away from any lurking danger at the foot of the table, but Tom Davies' men must now refocus on this weekend's clash at Acle.
Mallards too good for faltering Crabs
Drab start for Cricket Week
Cromer v Vauxhall Mallards (35 overs): Cromer 142; Mallards 143-4 - CROMER LOSE BY 6 WKTS
Cromer v Rocklands: Rocklands 33-2 MATCH ABANDONED - RAIN
The conditions and a strong Vauxhall Mallards side saw off Cromer's First XI at Brundall in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.
Chris Carey top-scored for Cromer with a cool 27 in the visitors' total of 142, but Mallards only lost four wickets as they cruised to victory.
The Second XI's game at the Norton Warnes fell victim to the rain with Rocklands 33-2. But even the abandonment pushed Cromer's leading advantage further in Division Five as their one bowling point gave them six points as opposed to the five collected by their two main rivals, Hethersett and Brooke.
Davies' ton not enough at Norton Warnes
Gav's turn at Diss as Twos cruise home
Cromer v Diss: Diss 298-8; Cromer 240-7 - CROMER LOSING DRAW
Cromer v Diss: Diss 211-9; Cromer 213-3 - CROMER WIN BY 3 WKTS
All-roun performance from Warnes; more runs for Gav; four-fer for The Claw
Skipper Tom Davies' superb maiden league ton wasn't quite enough to get his First XI over the line at the home of cricket.
Chasing a huge 298-8 - featuring four wickets for Michael Warnes - Cromer got to 240-7 with Davies' first Alliance hundred and Warnes' 66 the highlights.
The Second XI made light work of Diss 2s, restricting them to 211-9 thanks to Paul Winterbone's four wickets, then knocked off the runs courtesy of a majestic 93* from Gavin Neale and 48 from run machine Pete Gascoyne.
Brave fight at Downham as Seconds build on lead
Clarke the star at Norton Warnes
Cromer v Downham Town: Cromer 209 all out; Downham 210-7 - DOWNHAM WIN BY THREE WICKETS
Cromer v Hethersett & Tas Valley: Cromer 255-6; H&TV 188-7 - CROMER WINNING DRAW
Gascoyne - 3-41 for the wily fox, and
Turner - Oakleys deal imminent
Cromer gave runaway leaders Downham another scare but ended up losing by three wickets in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.
There were runs for David Turner as Cromer got over the 200 mark, but despite two wickets from John Battrick - stepping up from the 2nd XI - Downham got home to maintain their impressive run at the top of the table.
The Norton Warnes hosted a fireworks display courtesy of opener Ben Clarke, who smashed 116 in quick time to give the table-topping 2nd XI the upper hand against second-placed Hethersett & Tas Valley. Peter Gascoyne then picked up 3-41 as HTV padded out for a losing draw, closing at 188-7, to give Cromer 17 points and increase thei lead at the top of Alliance Division Five.
Twos storm to Brooke victory as Firsts falter in run-fest
Lithins leads his men home - but agony at Norton Warnes
Cromer v Brooke: Brooke 290 all out; Cromer 274-9 - CROMER LOSING DRAW
Cromer v Brooke: Brooke 229-7; Cromer 231-3 - CROMER WIN BY 7 WKTS
Runs for Clarke and Charlwood, but there were differing fortunes for the sides
Alan Lithins led his Second XI home against old foes Brooke in Norfolk Alliance Division Five as the league leaders started the homeward half of the season with a bang.
Brooke had made 229-7 - John Battrick taking 3-41 - to leave Cromer contemplating a fairly large target at tea. However Lithins produced a typical captain's knock with a fine 74, Ben Clarke weighed in with a hard-hitting 42, and prolific pair of Pete Gascoyne and Kev Neale were not out 44 and 21 respectively as Cromer reached their target by a comfortable margin to keep the Crabs 41 points clear at the top of the table.
The First XI left a bumper crowd at the Norton Warnes frustrated as Brooke came away with a winning draw in a run-soaked Premier Division clash.
Brooke ran up what seemed to be a sizeable total - 290 all out - as their overseas professional Rahul Dewan looked in ominous form. But in truth Cromer's bowlers did well to limit the visitors to under 300 as they stuck to their task manfully on groundsman Gascoyne's shirt-front, and the Crabs took tea in an optimistic mood.
Dave Turner and Richard Charlwood soon proved that optimisim was well-founded as they put on a hefty partnership, Turner with 43 and Charlwood with yet another half-century in what is becoming a superb season for him. And when Nish Liyanage and skipper Tom Davies took up the reins the win looked on the cards.
But the pair both fell, and Cromer's remaining batsmen didn't quite have enough in the locker to get the home side over the line, the Crabs settling for 274-9 and the 90% losing draw as Brooke almost sneaked the win towards the end of the game.
Cromer are a promising fourth in the Premier Division and looking forward to next weekend's clash with table-toppers Downham.
Cromer bounce back to double Wanderers
Tuck on top at Barton Turf; Neale stars in massive 2nds win
Cromer v Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers: Wanderers 214-9; Cromer 217-4 - CROMER WIN BY 6 WKTS
Cromer v Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers: Wanderers 176-9; Cromer 180-2 - CROMER WIN BY 8 WKTS
Tuck - classy 63 for 1sts, and
Kev Neale - 64 as 2s win
Tom Davies' First XI bounced back in style from last week's reverse with a six wicket win over Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.
Cromer restricted the hosts to 214-9 off their 50 overs, Deano Elliott leading the attack with 3-40 and pace duo Michael Warnes and Kristian Dingle Regis claiming two wickets each to leave Cromer eyeing the points at tea.
And it was veteran opener Kieron Tuck, back from his career-threatening hamstring niggle, who showed the visitors' intent with a sumptuous 63, before Warnes (40*), Ollie Kimber with 26 and Dave Turner with 24 chipped in to leave Cromer on the brink. Skipper Davies (25*) pulled for four through midwicket to bring up the win and seal 23 great points for the Crabs.
At the home of cricket, Alan Lithins' Second XI consolidated their lead at the top of Division Five with a solid win over Wanderers' second string.
Seamers Paul Winterbone and veteran Chris Carey each claimed two wickets - and wily spinner Peter Gascoyne also snared two - as Wanderers struggled to 176-9, then Lithins with a quality 48 and Kevin Neale with a superb unbeaten 64 starred as Cromer chased down their target. With Gascoyne reaching his own fifty off the last ball, the points were Cromer's - and promotion to Division Four one step closer.
Firsts crumble under Runcton onslaught
Warnes wickets in vain after big total but Seconds stay top
Cromer v North Runcton: Cromer 255-6; Runcton 258-5 - RUNCTON WIN BY 5 WKTS
Cromer v Dereham: Cromer 260-6; Dereham 165-9 - CROMER WINNING DRAW
M. Warnes Massage Services - don't give up the day job
Charlwood and Turner pile on the runs
The First XI were victims of a smash and grab raid at the hands of old foes North Runcton as they went down by five wickets in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.
It was a run-fest at the Norton Warnes with the hosts running up 255-6, Richard Charlwood and Nish Liyanage with 60s and David Turner with 49, but Runcton took 21 off Regis' first over and never looked back, knocking off the runs with ten overs to spare despite Michael Warnes taking all five wickets to fall.
Alan Lithins' Second XI continued their good form at the top of Division Five, Peter Gascoyne starring with bat and ball as Dereham blocked out to give Cromer a winning draw.
Gascoyne hit 60 and Kevin Neale a cameo forty as Cromer racked up 260-6, but Dereham shut up shop and the visitors couldn't prise out the last man, with Gascoyne taking three wickets.
JB blows Stowe out of the water
Seconds march on but Firsts victim of the weather
Cromer v Lowestoft: Lowestoft 239-6; Cromer 40-1 - MATCH ABANDONED
Cromer v Stowe: Stowe 121 all out; Cromer 125-4 - CROMER WIN BY 6 WKTS
4-30 for Carey (pictured here in 1989), and
40 for Clarke to see 2s home
Cromer's Second XI stayed firmly top of Norfolk Alliance Division Five with an unruffled display of cricket at the Norton Warnes.
Batting first, visitors Stowe ran into a rampant John Battrick, who tore through their innings with five wickets for just 18 runs. And there was a truimphant return to Cromer colours for veteran Chris Carey, who claimed 4-30 as Stowe were dismissed for just 121.
In reply Ben Clarke stroked a classy 40 and Pete Gascoyne 35 as Cromer knocked off the runs for the loss of four wickets to seal the win and 22 points.
The First XI were frustrated after the long trip to Lowestoft finished with an abandonment thanks to the incessant coastal rain, which cost the Crabs second place in the Premier Division. Lowestoft ran up 239-6 and Cromer were 40-1 in reply when the umpires finally decided that the conditions were too poor to continue.
The result left Cromer with a meagre eight points and the home side 10, meaning that Lowestoft will go a point above Cromer when the tables are published.
Warnes hauls Crabs back from the brink
Winterbone the star for Twos once more
Cromer v Acle: Cromer 208-8; Acle 117 all out - CROMER WIN BY 91 RUNS
Cromer v Vauxhall Mallards: Mallards 106 all out; Cromer 107-1 - CROMER WIN BY 9 WKTS
Elliott - four wickets
Craske - runs for the young shaver
...and Charlwood celebrates his bowling performance
All-rounders Michael Warnes, Dean Elliott and Richard Charlwood were the heroes for Cromer as they comprehensively outplayed Acle to move up to second in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.
It was a great result for Tom Davies' men, who rallied from 50-5 to reach 208-8 thanks largely to Warnes' 50, runs for keeper Luke Barrett, plus a vital 9th wicket stand of 49 between Deano and Liam Davies. Then, with Acle looking ominous at 56-0, Charlwood and Elliott took four wickets each to rip the heart out of the hosts' innings before Warnes cleaned up the tail to give Cromer a fantastic win.
The Second XI continued their dominant form in Division Five, Paul Winterbone taking another four wickets as Vauxhall Mallards' third string were bowled out for 106. Skipper Alan Lithins and 14-year-old Alex Craske then knocked off the runs to give the Crabs another large points haul.
Reports, cards to come
Great day for Cromer as Chippy rules the roost
Cromer v Old Buckenham: Bucks 283-4; Cromer 284-3 - CROMER WIN BY 7 WKTS
Cromer v Great Melton: Gt Melton 169; Cromer 175-5 - CROMER WIN BY 5 WKTS
Nish - a classy 96 as Cromer chased down 283, and
Winters - another four-fer for The Claw
Two emphatic wins gave Cromer a boost on Saturday.
The First XI were set a stiff target at a run-soaked Old Buckenham in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division as the hosts ran up 283-4. But with opener Kieron Tuck struggling with a hamstring injury sustained in the field, Richard Charlwood stepped up the plate and blasted a magnificent 121*, and, in partnership with Nish Liyinage (96) saw Cromer home for the win by seven wickets.
From his vantage point prostrate on the Old Buckenham club stretcher, the crippled Tuck was full of admiration for his team-mate's knock. "Chippy was just pure class. One of the best innings I've seen from a Cromer player. He controlled the whole innings and played some cracking shots through the legside."
High praise indeed from a player who once took the field alongside Cromer legends WJ Elliott, Musselwhite, Williams and Sands.
The Second XI dominated their game against Great Melton to cement their spot at the top of the table, Paul Winterbone once again starring with the ball and snaring 4-35 as the visitors were bundled out for 169. Alan Lithins and Gav Neale both hit forties as Cromer cannily got to exactly 169, the theory being that six more would give them an extra batting point. But Lithins and then Dave Green perished on the boundary before Nick Bond dismissively dumped the ball out of the ground, almost threatening the tourists enjoying the view from the church tower half a mile distant, to give Cromer the win and 23 points in their search for promotion to Division Four.
Reports, cards to come
Rain strikes to foil Cromer
Both sides' games fell victim to the weather on Saturday.
The table-topping Second XI didn't even travel to Rocklands, and the First XI were 25-0 against Vauxhall Mallards when the rain forced the players off, never to return.
The only game in the Premier Division saw leaders Downham narrowly escape with a losing draw against Wanderers to preserve their long unbeaten record, and there was no play in any Division Five fixtures.
Under Alliance rules, both sides picked up five points for the abandonment.
Diss blow for First XI; 2s back on track
Cromer v Diss: Cromer 212-8; Diss 213-8 - DISS WIN BY 2 WKTS
Cromer v Diss: Cromer 262-7; Diss 197 all out - CROMER WIN BY 65 RUNS
Gavin Neale celebrates after a fantastic 106
The First XI let a golden opportunity to take the points slip at Diss.
With the home side in trouble at 113-5 chasing Cromer's 220-8 - due largely to Michael Warnes' 74, and with contributions from Kieron Tuck, Luke Barrett and Kristian Regis - Diss roused themselves to seal the win by two wickets, despite three cheap wickets for Nish Liyinage.
There was better news at the Norton Warnes, however, as the Second XI beat their Diss counterparts by 65 runs to sweep to the top of Division Five. Cromer racked up 262-7 with an awesome first-wicket stand of 243 between Pete Gascoyne and Gavin Neale. Both made superb hundreds, then Paul Winterbone bowled Cromer to victory with 4-20.
Next up for the Twos are second-placed Rocklands in an early-season top-of-the-table clash, whilst the Firsts entertain former overseas pro Rayno Arendse and his Vauxhall Mallards outfit.
1sts report, card - coming soon
Last wicket heartache for Cromer
Cromer v Downham: Cromer 161 all out; Downham 162-9 - DOWNHAM WIN BY 1 WKT
Cromer v Hethersett & Tas Valley: Cromer 250-7; H&TV 229-9 - CROMER WINNING DRAW
Gascoyne falls for 97 but 2nds couldn't force home the win
Two last-wicket stands proved costly for both sides' league fixtures on Saturday.
In Division Five the Second XI couldn't prise out Hethersett & Tas Valley's last man as the hosts held on for the extra 90% points, despite Peter Gascoyne's 4-65. Cromer had posted exactly 250, with skipper Alan Lithins anchoring the innings with a cool 105*, and that man Gascoyne falling agonisingly short of his hundred as he fell for 97 after a massive 187 opening stand. But Hethersett battled well to reach 229 and, though their number 11 was at the crease for three overs, Cromer couldn't get through for the win.
And it was even worse at the Norton Warnes, where the First XI were on the brink of handing reigning champions Downham Market their first reversal in two years before the visitors' final pair pulled victory from the jaws of defeat. Dean Elliott (45) and 35 from Michael Warnes had rallied Cromer from a potentially disasterous 78-7, and Downham were reeling at 123-9. But the last wicket stand knocked off the required runs to leave Cromer reflecting on what might have been, yet at the same time knowing that on the back of this performance they are more than capable of competing with any side in the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division.
New signing for Crabs
Cromer have signed Sri Lankan Nish Liyinage for the 2010 season.
Nish is no stranger to the club, having been on the playing staff in 2006 for a brief three-week period which was cut short by injury. However he made such a good impression that the committee had no hesitation in snapping him up for this year's campaign.
Welfare Officer Pete Gascoyne welcomed the deal, which sees the Sri Lankan join Cromer as an overseas amateur.
"It was clear in 2006 that Nish was a quality player and, more importantly, a class act off the field too. He's a brisk medium-paced right arm seamer and a very assured operator with the bat, and there's no doubt that he'll add to the the general strength in depth in the First XI."
Nish, who's played four First Class games for his home club Moors Sports, goes straight into the squad for Saturday's game against reigning champions and current Alliance Premier leaders Downham Market. Cromer are also hoping to welcome back Michael Warnes from university for his first game of the season.
Cromer crash out of Carter Cup
1st XI v Sprowston: Cromer 110 all out; Sprowston 112-6 SPROWSTON WIN BY 4 WICKETS
Cromer bowed out of this season's Carter Cup, going down by four wickets at Sprowston.
Chasing Cromer's 110, which featured 50 from Alan Lithins, Sprowston lost six wickets with Kristian Regis bagging four of them as they reached their target.
Report, card
Rain defeats Alliance fixtures
Double-header victim of inclement weather
Both the club's league games against Brooke fell foul of the persistent rain blowing in off the North Sea today.
The poor conditions made in unlikely that much cricket took place in the south of England, although the forecast is more encouraging for the Carter Cup trip to Sprowston tomorrow and the Sunday 2nd XI home fixture against Kirkley.
Brooke Next Up as Cromer Look to Build
Home-and-away challenge on Saturday; Carter Cup on Sunday
After a winning start to the 2010 league season, this weekend sees another double-header against old rivals Brooke.
Tom Davies' first team travel to Brooke House (1pm) for their Norfolk Alliance Premier Division clash, looking to build on a convincing win over Wanderers in the first round of fixtures, and after revenge following two league defeats to the same opponents in 2009. Young prodigy Alex Craske will be hoping to keep his spot in the lineup after a super first appearance last week, and opener Ben Clarke should enjoy returning to the scene of his hard-hitting half-century on his Cromer debut last year.
The hosts have waved goodbye to the prolific Australian Vinay Parikh, their overseas professional for the past few years, but replacement from India Rahul Dewan started with 62 in Brooke's last-over loss to North Runcton last week and has already hit a century against EAPL side Horsford this season.
The second XI kick off their Division Five home campaign against Brooke A (1.30pm), who have proved fierce rivals over the last three years - playing the same sides has been a rarity given Cromer's recent promotion form. Cromer Twos v Brooke Twos are always dramatic games and skipper Alan Lithins will have his team well up for this one.
The two sides finished first and second in Norfolk League Three in 2008, and two tight games last season saw Pete Gascoyne lead his side home at Brooke, then Dave Green almost sneaking Cromer over the line in the home fixture which finished in a pulsating winning draw.
Cromer will be well aware of the hard-hitting Paul Daynes and veteran Clive Bennett, who both smashed centuries in Brooke's opening fixture against Hethersett last weekend.
The First XI start their Carter Cup challenge on Sunday at Division One outfit Sprowston (11am).
Pictures Required
We're looking for pictures of Cromer CC - the players, the ground, straight, funny - anything.
Fantastic Start to League Season
Firsts, Seconds sweep Wanderers aside
1st XI vs Wanderers: Wanderers 217 all out; Cromer 219 - 5 CROMER WIN BY FIVE WICKETS
2nd XI vs Wanderers: Cromer 195 - 7; Wanderers 61 all out CROMER WIN BY 134 RUNS
Cromer started 2010 with a bang as the league campaign got underway.
Both sides notched up convincing victories over Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers in what was a great first day of the Norfolk Alliance season.
After an excellent 2009 in the Twos, 16-year-old seamer Alex Craske made his Premier League debut - and immediately stole the limelight with four wickets for just nine runs.
Craske struck as Richard Charlwood was providing the anchor role, bowling 13 overs unchanged in hot, muggy conditions for three wickets as Wanderers were bowled out for 217 at the Norton Warnes.
In reply, captain Tom Davies hit 48, Dave Turner 30, then Charlwood underlined what an all-round class act he is with a perfectly-timed 74* to see the First XI home with five wickets and seven balls to spare.
The Second XI trumped their senior colleagues with an even more emphatic win at Barton Turf.
With several of their first-choice side unavailable and asked to bat first on a spicy-looking track, Cromer were reliant on veteran campigner Pete Gascoyne's superb 85 to see them to 195 at tea. It was a challenging total, but what happened next was beyond skipper Alan Lithins' expectations as new-ball pair Paul Winterbone and Billy Payne simply blew Wanderers away, both snaring five wickets as the hosts were bundled out for 61 to give Cromer the win by 134 runs.
Reports, cards to follow
Richard Charlwood - three wickets and 74* to see Cromer home, and Alex Craske - 4-9 on debut.
Pete Gascoyne - crucial 85, and Paul Winterbone - five-fer as Twos win
Cromer Face Wanderers Clash
Cromer kick off the 2010 season with a double-header against Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers.
Tom Davies' First XI host Wanderers at the Norton Warnes in a Norfolk Alliance Premier league fixture (1pm), while Alan Lithins takes his Twos to Barton Turf in Division Five (1.30pm).
Alex Craske (right) makes the step-up to the first team after some highly promising performances last season and, with Bank Holiday weekend once again coinciding with the first round of fixtures, unavailability is bound to play a part for both clubs. In general there are certain to be some eyebrow-raising results around the county as the league season gets underway.
Cromercc.com will have both teams' results and headlines this evening, so join us later to find out how the club faired on matchday one.
Cromer Join Focus Elite
Cromer are to become an ECB Focus club, officials have confirmed.
The award is in recognition of Cromer's development of junior programmes, standards and involvement with the local community.
Across the 39 County Cricket Boards in England and Wales there are currently just under 1,400 identified Focus Clubs.
Chairman John Graveling (right) was delighted with the award.
"The ECB have put in place their framework of how they want their clubs to operate and it's fantastic to see that we're moving up through the levels," he said. "The Norfolk Cricket Board have been extremely supportive, and it's a real credit to the team led by Development Officer Alan Warnes who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
"On a practical level it's a real boost for the youth setup - parents will now be even more certain that their children are going to have the best possible tuition by Tom Davies and his fellow ECB-accredited coaches - something that we are seeing the fruits of already in the First XI - and it it will also open up new avenues of funding available to the club.
"All in all it's wonderful news, and the perfect way to start the 2010 season."
Bed Required
The club are looking for accommodation for our overseas amateur for 2010, Nish.
If anyone has a spare room and fancies taking in one of the nicest guys the club has ever welcomed, please contact Pete Gascoyne on 01263 514223
Davies Looking to Build
As the new season approaches rapidly, club captain Tom Davies is looking forward to another year in the top flight of Norfolk cricket.
His First XI endured a rollercoaster ride in 2009, flirting with relegation at the midway stage of the campaign before a strong finish pulled the Crabs clear of danger, and in the final analysis the positives vastly outweighed the negatives in a gusty effort on the pitch.
A notable feature of last season was that Cromer decided to buck the trend of overseas pros that have become commonplace in the Norfolk Alliance since the turn of the century in order to plough some extra cash into the Colts setup. It was a calculated gamble; a show of faith in the hugely talented young, local players that have emerged from the club youth system - among them Charlwood, Turner, Regis, Warnes and Barrett - and it paid dividends as each played a large part in cementing Premier Division status for 2010.
And Davies (right) is convinced that his 'sink or swim' policy will be vital in the years ahead.
"With no professional for the first time in 11 years the main aim was to avoid relegation, which was never going to be easy with such a young inexperienced side," said Davies. "Defying all the odds we did what we set out to do, and actually won more games than we did in 2008, which was a great achievement and one which showed just how good we can be.
"On the flip side we lost the rest of our games, with no draws, which shows the lack of experience and inconsistency. But you expect that from a young side."
This year the target is to stay in the division, and to improve the current league position of 7th. However, Davies in under no illusion about the size of the task ahead, as overall standards increase year-on-year.
"We're building a great squad with youth on our side and each year we set our heights higher and higher. But we all know how hard it's going to be in a very strong competitive league, and nothing should be taken for granted. If the lads all stay together then this squad will achieve great things in the future, but it's one step at a time."
A couple of new signings should add a touch of experience. Although the gamble of avoiding paying a professional will be repeated, the club are looking to sign an overseas amateur who will bring some additional quality, and help in the development of the younger players in the squad and junior coaching. And there's the small matter of a club legend once again strapping on the pads.
"We're very pleased to welcome Kieron Tuck back to Cromer - he's been out of the firing line for a few years with work and family commitments, but I grew up watching him open the batting here and I know that he's a class act," said Davies. "There's no doubt that he should have been a Norfolk regular when he was first at Cromer and, although he's going to need some time to bed back in and find his feet, his overall wealth of cricket knowledge will really be
nefit the side. It's great to have him back.
"I'm also happy to be working alongside Deano (right), who will be vice-captain this season - he's a top man and a solid performer."
"Ben Clarke's debut season last year was very encouraging - there were times when no-one could bowl at him, and I'm hoping that he'll build on a successful 2009 by challenging for the club top run-scorer honours by the end of August. And with a couple of boys from the second team who will be pushing for a First XI place we look like a strong side."
And Davies is sure that the unity and teamwork that helped bring the team together last year will be the key to the new campaign - albeit one that will be tinged with emotion as the first matches get underway.
"It's going to be a very emotional occasion for all the players and supporters to take the field after the tragic loss of Alan Shepherd. Shep meant such a massive amount to everyone at the club and I'm sure we'll all miss his unique sense of humour and wise words during the weekend afternoons. But we'll use his memory as an inspiration to perform to our best in every game.
"Personally I'm looking forward to this season more than any other, because we have a squad full of youth and an abundance of talent, a team who are mates on and off the pitch, and a spirit within the squad which is brilliant - and that spirit runs right through the club."
Nets on Sunday
With just a month until the first ball is bowled in the 2010 league season, CCC players are being urged to roll up to nets on Sundays at 2pm.
The sessions at Cromer High School move to weekly slots in the final run-up to the new campaign, and, with two lanes including the bowling machine available, it's the perfect opportunity to shake off the winter cobwebs.
And the club is welcoming any new players who may be interested to nets, run under the supervision of the clubs' ECB-qualified coaches.
Lithins Targets Promotion
Second XI skipper Alan Lithins has set his sights on kissing Alliance Division Five goodbye at the end of the season.
The Twos flirted with their second successive promotion for much of 2009, but ran out of steam over the last few games to finish third in the table behind Bradenham and winners Halvergate. And Lithins (right) is setting his side the challenge to make sure that history does not repeat itself.
"It won't happen again, of that you can be sure", he said on the eve of the new campaign. "The mainstay of the A team this year are already chomping at the bit to get involved and put right a few of the wrongs of last season. Losses of concentration, lack of responsibility - and an odd declaration or two - probably didn't help matters last year, but I'm sure we have all learned a lot from our first season in the Alliance and will make this a season to remember."
On paper, the second team squad is loaded with talent and ability in all departments. The batting responsibilities will rest with veterans Lithins, Pete Gascoyne, Gavin Neale, Richard Graveling, Adie Buck and Navy, with the bowlers all capable of adding valuable runs. Kevin Neale and Paul 'The Claw' Winterbone will be looking to build on magnificent seasons with the ball, and the sky is the limit for young all-rounder Alex Craske (pictured, left), who hit a couple of league fifties and took the new ball last year aged just 15.
It was a strong unit in 2009, and Lithins is looking forwards to adding even more depth to his lineup for 2010.
"Billy Payne is making a welcome return to the cricketing fold, bolstering both our batting and bowling lineups, plus the first team personnel has had an injection of talent during the close season which will also add to the strength of the twos. One player that I'm hoping to have to do without this year is John Battrick - his performances last season mean that he's very much in the thoughts of first team skipper Tom Davies, and if he keeps up his development and carries on working hard I'm sure JB will be pushing for a well-deserved place in the firsts."
And Lithins is under no illusion what it takes to get up into Division Four.
"As one of our former players used to say...simple boring cricket! that's what we need to do this year. No funny tactics, no strange batting lineups, no histrionics...just simple boring cricket...and, if the team we will be putting out play to their potential, Division Five will be history."
Cromer Seek Club Secretary
Cromer are looking for a new club secretary for 2010.
Current incumbent Ben Haughan is stepping down after several years service with the gratitude of all at the club.
The secretary's role is crucial in the behind-the-scenes effort, and with the club in great shape both on and off the field, the new person will be playing a major role in cementing Cromer's position as North Norfolk's premier club.
For more information please contact chairman John Graveling on 01263 510250
Alan Shepherd 1938 - 2010
Cromer Cricket Club are in mourning after the death of club stalwart Alan 'Shep' Shepherd, who died peacefully in his sleep on 18th February.
Shep was a massive part of Cromer CC, both as a former player and, more recently, a committed and loyal supporter and invaluable member of the behind-the-scenes effort, without which the club simply would not function. Groundsmen throughout the years have been eternally grateful for Shep's huge amount of help on the pitch and outfield, and he played a major part in making Cromer the finest place to play cricket in the county.
Club Chairman John Graveling paid tribute to Shep. "In many ways Shep embodied everything that is good about Cromer CC - loyalty, a terrific sense of humour, hard work and commitment. Everyone was deeply shocked and saddened at the news, and we'll miss him tremendously, both for his support behind the scenes and his colourful encouragement throughout the season."
The approaching season will be tinged with sadness, and the welcome figure of a genuine gentleman will be very much missed on his journey from Speaker's Corner round the ground to the pavilion every home game.
Romance is not Dead - Valentine's Nets Cancelled
The good ladies of Cromer had the last laugh yesterday afternoon as senior nets, planned for 14th February, were cancelled.
Crisis talks had been on-going for several days in skipper Tom Davies' front room, amidst piles of soiled nappies and bottles of half-drunk milk, although in reality it had been clear that there was only one likely outcome since the CCC winter training programme was announced well before Christmas.
It was 3am before negotiations finally broke down, with the dishevelled Davies emerging to admit that maybe scheduling nets at 2pm on Valentine's Day was not the best idea he'd ever had.
The cancellation leaves the entire afternoon free for the Cromer CC playing staff to treat, pamper, and generally defer to their better halves... that is, of course, if it can arranged around three FA Cup quarter-finals, Italy v England in the Six Nations, the second Test between India and South Africa, and the men's Giant Slalom from Vancouver.
The next senior nets are still scheduled for 14th March.
Warnes Seals Norfolk Squad Berth
Cromer all-rounder Michael Warnes has been named in a new-look Norfolk development squad for the 2010 season.
Warnes is in the C list of players who are being groomed for the full County side, along with fellow Alliance Premier players Jeremy Elliott (Wanderers), Patrick Yates (Downham), and Kieron Bunting (Runcton).
Coach Chris Brown said: “Several young players made their debuts for the first team last year and we wanted to identify players further down the line who, in two or three years' time, with the right training, will be ready to come in. We are looking at the long term.
“There should be a natural progression, right from the Under-10s upwards. For example, if a player does well in the Under-19s and in the league, he can expect to get a game with the Development side. For me it creates a clearer player pathway to the senior side.”
A tier players: Carl Rogers (Great Witchingham, captain), Chris Brown (Horsford, player/coach), Chris Borrett (Norwich, vice-captain), Martin Addison (Vauxhall Mallards), Sam Arthurton (Great Witchingham/Essex Academy), Paul Bradshaw (Vauxhall Mallards), Michael Eccles (Swardeston), Stephen Gray (w/k, Fakenham), Ben Patston (Norwich), James Spelman (Great Witchingham), George Walker (Swardeston), Trevor Ward (Leicester Ivanhoe).
B tier players: Harry Bush (Norwich), Ben Harvey (w/k, Great Witchingham), Oliver Higenbottam (Norwich), Rob Purton (Vauxhall Mallards), Darren Smith (w/k, Horsford), Sam Thelwell (Swardeston), Addam Todd (Downham), Ashley Watson (Norwich), Aaron Watson (Norwich).
C tier players: Angus Barton (Vauxhall Mallards), Kieron Bunting (North Runcton), Luke Caswell (Horsford), Tom Collishaw (Great Witchingham), Jeremy Elliott (Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers), Peter Lambert (Swardeston), Joe Pipkin (Fakenham), Ollie Stone (Vauxhall Mallards/Northants Academy), Angus Stuart (Fakenham), Michael Warnes (Cromer), Nathan Perry-Warnes (Horsford), Patrick Yates (Downham).
Three New Deliveries - and all Bouncers
The future of Cromer CC is looking bright with two new potential members of the Girls and Ladies' section, and a fresh recruit for the boys' youth teams.
Gavin Neale was proud father to Maicia in Autumn 2009; Liam Davies recently took delivery of baby girl Isla; and skipper Tom Davies announced the arrival of Charlie in the first week of January.
Many congratulations to the three lads and their families; plenty of changing ends ahead.
The three proud fathers
The new season seems a long way off still, especially with the last traces of January snow lingering around Warnesy's bowling mark at the Surgery End, but preparations for summer 2010 are in full swing.
The club is building on the prestigious Clubmark award achieved last seaon by putting two more coaches through the ECB Level Two badge to help bring on the next generation of Cromer cricketers; nets started before Christmas and continue in the New Year (see below for details); and the Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 8th January at 7pm.
The AGM is the place to have your say and give the committee your input on the way that the club is run. It's also the time to vote on the officers that will take the club forward for the coming season, and there's always a chance you could find yourself going home as Sunday Second XI vice-captain. So don't have too many beers beforehand.
just out of shot - Navy warming up on the square
Nets
Seniors - Sundays 2pm-4pm
13 December
17 January
14 February (brownie points for those who turn up on Valentine's Day)
14 March
4 April
11 April
18 April
25 April
Juniors - Sundays 4pm-6pm (8 - 11 year olds 4 - 5pm; 12 - 15 year olds
5 - 6pm)
31 January
28 February
28 March
11 April
25 April