Cromer knocked EAPL table-toppers Fakenham out of the Carter Cup on Sunday with a dominant display of cricket.

Competition rules have no restriction on paid players, so Cromer were facing three professionals, but it made no difference as Tom Davies’ men swept home by 102 runs to put Cromer into the draw for the second round.

The skipper himself was the hero, a superb 80 in an imposing Cromer total of 242-7.  2008 Player of the Season Richard Charlwood chipped in with a vital 36, and David Turner hit a classy 30.  It was a good display against a strong side, but by no means an insurmountable target.

However, the Cromer attack made light of the task by hustling out Fakenham for 141, backed up by a vibrant fielding display.  Charlwood demonstrated his allround abilities with a stunning 3-16, and fellow seamer James Craske followed his lead with an impressive 3-25, and the league leaders had no reply.

After a disappointing opening Alliance game, which saw Cromer just fail to chase down Brooke’s 166, this was an excellent result against the best side in East Anglia, on current form.  It should provide a real springboard into next week’s league fixture at Diss which Davies’ men will now be eyeing with renewed enthusiasm.