Cromer v Swardeston (a)

8th August 2009

Norfolk Alliance Premier Division

The most important game of the season so far was away at the leagues bottom side Swardeston. Most people saw this as a must win fixture for Cromer if they were to ease the pressure of the relegation fight.

Cromer won the toss and put the hosts into bat.

Savi Herathge got the home side off to an excellent start moving his side along at nearly 5 an over for the first ten overs. But he was seeing team mates fall at the other end with Baldwin, Pearson and Murphy all going for single figures.

Former Cromer Captain Darin Goodrum joined Herathge at the crease and was part of a 100 run partnership which lasted for 21 overs. Herathge was closing in on his century when Goodrum was dismissed for 21 off the bowling of Dean Elliott. Despite the loss of wickets the runs continued to flow mainly thanks to Herathge. He along with Martin put on a 69 partnership from just 9 overs. The stand came to an end when opener Herathge was finally out, caught by Turner of Warnes’ bowling, for an excellent 143, which included 15 fours and 7 sixes.

Soon after the Swardeston innings came to an end when Captain Peter Thomas declared with his side on 244 for 5 from 46 overs. Martin made a quick fire 39 not out before the declaration which seemed a bit premature and gave Cromer 54 overs to reach their target of 245.

Cromer bowlers Michael Warnes and James Craske both picked up two wickets.

In reply Cromer made a good start keeping up with the required rate but they lost three wickets in the first ten overs and were 43 for 3. The young pairing of David Turner and Michael Warnes pushed the visitors score along and took their side within sight of their target.

Warnes was scoring the quicker of the two and he reached his fifty from 52 balls. Turner was picking up the singles and his innings was vital in steadying the Cromer innings. This superb partnership of 131 was finally broken in the 41^st over when Warnes was caught on the boundary by Pearson off Goodrum for a brilliant 72 off 79 deliveries.

With six wickets in hand Cromer required 71 runs from 81 balls.

With Warnes gone Turner now started finding the boundary more often to keep his side close to the required rate. Turner moved past his half century but a couple of wickets fell and the North Norfolk side were 207 for 6 with six overs remaining.

16 year old Turner increased his scoring rate and took his team within touching distance of a priceless victory.

It was to be James Craske who would hit the winning runs with just 8 balls remaining. Craske finished not out on 9 while Turner ended on 85 after a fine display with the bat.

A much needed 22 points for Cromer who with a similar result this Saturday at home to North Runcton will almost certainly see them safe from relegation.

Norfolk Alliance Premier Division

Cromer 245-6 (22pts) beat Swardeston 244-5 dec (8pts) by 4 wickets

Swardeston Innings

S. Herathge            c D. Turner b M. Warnes             143

B. Baldwin            c D. Turner b J. Craske              8

J. Pearson            c B. Clarke b M. Warnes             4

B. Murphy            c C. Brown b J. Craske              2

D. Goodrum            c J. Battrick b D. Elliott                21

D. Martin            Not Out                                     39

M. Hogg            Not Out                                     4

                                                            Extras            23

                                                Total (for 5 dec)            244 from 46 overs

Cromer Bowling

M. Warnes 11-1-49-2, J. Craske 13-2-72-2, D. Elliott 10-1-39-1, K. Regis 3-0-28-0,

C. Brown 4-0-18-0, J. Battrick 5-1-31-0.

Cromer Innings

O. Kimber            bowled C. Gardner                    16

B. Clarke            c S. Herathge b C. Gardner            13

A. Lithins            c. M. Hogg b S. Cadge              5

D. Turner            Not Out                                     85

M. Warnes            c J. Pearson b D. Goodrum            72

C. Brown            bowled D. Martin                       7

L. Barrett            Run Out                                    3

J. Craske            Not Out                                     9

Did Not Bat: K. Regis, D. Elliott, J. Battrick.

                                                            Extras            35

                                                Total (for 6)    245 from 52.4 overs

Swardeston Bowling

C. Gardner 12.4-1-64-2, D. Reynolds 3-0-18-0, S. Cadge 7-2-24-1, D. Goodrum 14-2-40-1,

B. Murphy 3-0-30-0, D. Martin 13-0-66-1.