Despite losing his partner in the first over of the day after being put in to bat by visitors Loddon, opener David Turner got his head down and, along with the more expansive batting of Luke Barrett, the pair put on a stand of 67. Barrett was nailed-on for a fifty before being caught & bowled off a straight drive that went like a rocket straight out the meat to leave him four runs short of his half-century.
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Cromer legend Dean Elliot, back at the club from a sabbatical at Overstrand, dispatched his first ball Gower-like for four, then sent the bowling to all corners with a quick fire 45. Turner and Kristan Regis upped the pace to leave Cromer on 191 for 3.
Cromer’s bowling attack was simply too good, and though a wicket didn’t fall until the 12th over by then the visitors had only managed to scratch 22 runs from the bowling of Regis and John Battrick, who were in no mood to give away anything .The rest of Cromer's attack was equally miserly, and notable for an excellent debut from Alex Craske - 0 for 10 from 5 overs.
Despite throwing the ball to spinners Turner and Furlong, Cromer simply could not tempt Loddon to have a go and the match was heading for a comfortable win long before the end. Pick of the bowling was John Battrick's 2 for 10 off 10 overs, and highlight of the day must go to David Turner who carried his bat for an excellent 79.
A solid start for Cromer with bat and ball, which augurs well for what the club hopes will be a promotion winning season.