Arendse and Davies again opened the batting and they stayed together for 28 overs before Davies was the first to go with Cromer on 177. Arendse and Davies both scored quickly with Arendse the first to his 50 from 51 balls, though soon after Davies reached his half century from 55 deliveries. When was dismissed he had made 75 runs from 72 balls, hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes. A superb opening stand between the Cromer pro and Captain, whose brutal attack on the opposition opening bowlers moved Cromer’s score forward rapidly.
Arendse continued to bat with freedom and would make his third century of the season. He faced 109 balls and hit 21 fours on his way to 103.
Thirteen overs remained after Arendse’s wicket and Cromer were on 194. From these overs 66 more runs would be added, with Michael Warnes scoring 28 from 26 balls and Richard Charlwood batted excellently to finish 34 not out. Cromer posted a score of 260 from their 45 overs.
Garner was the main wicket taker taking 4 for 35 from his 9 overs.
Set a massive target of 261, Dereham made a stuttery start with only one of the top 7 batsmen scoring over 20, and after 20 overs Dereham were 73 for 6.
Lawrence was the only man to make a contribution from the top order. He was eventually out, caught Arendse of the bowling of Webster for 41.
Hoggert and Head halted the loss of wickets and put on 45 in 5 overs before Head was out for 30. Hoggert would stay at the crease to the end of the Dereham innings, finishing 27 not out. S. Fletcher was the last man out caught Brown of Charlwood’s bowling.
Dereham ended 74 runs short, all out on 186.
All seven bowlers used took wickets with Craske, Brown and Webster taking two each. Warnes perhaps deserved more than his one wicket after the tremendous pace he showed in his 7 over spell, possibly some of the quickest bowling that will be seen this season.
An excellent win for Cromer, who progressed into the semi finals of the competition.