August Bank Holiday weekend sports report

A week of tennis reaches a pulsating climax, cricket tension, football turn ups and bowling history make it an exciting Bank Holiday weekend of sporting entertainment.

Tennis

A fantastic week of tennis last week reached an exciting finale on Saturday with the Men’s and Ladies Open Finals at the annual Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament.

The tournament, with over 1,000 participants, has been taking place for over 100 years. This year it also celebrated 50 years since organiser, Chris Holt, first became involved. LTA President, Sandi Procter attended to recognise this achievement. High recognition indeed.

Men’s Open Winner - Seth Briggs-Williams

Both flagship finals went to form with Wisbech based 2nd seed, Seth Briggs-Williams, overcoming 3rd seed Angus Creighton to win the Men’s event in two sets (6-4, 6-4), retaining his title, whilst Boston girl and top seed, Alice Gamman, also retained her title, beating 2nd seed Emma Mastin (6-3, 6-0) in the Ladies Final.

Ladies Open Final - Winner, Alice Gamman (left), and Runner Up, Emma Mastin.

Football

King’s Lynn Town FC had a busy weekend with two games in the Conference League North.

On Saturday, they will see it very much as two points dropped in their 1-1 home draw against ten man Darlington. In fact, it was the visitors who took the lead in the first half before being reduced to ten. Michael Gyasi levelled early in the second half with his fifth goal of the campaign but the Linnets failed to convert their dominance into goals. Manager, James Rowe, said, “it was a battle but our final product was lacking”.

On Monday, it was Lynn’s turn to deal with red cards, not just one, but two. Firstly Emmanuel Maja was sent off early on which Chorley capitalised upon, before keeper Luke Chadwick was also sent off, allowing Chorley to ease to a 4-0 win. Lynn will be looking to bounce back at home to Merthyr Town FC on Saturday.

Heacham FC gave as good as they got against fellow high flying and fancied Thurlow Nunn Premier Division foes, Ely City, in their first ever home FA Vase game. In fact, Heacham were probably the better side in the first half. However, it took a freak 45 yard free kick early in the second half to break the deadlock, as the cross fooled everyone, including home keeper, Terry Silva, finding its way into the back of the net. Cheered on by over 100 spectators, Heacham desperately tried to find an equaliser but Ely booked their place in the next round with a sucker punch second goal.

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers moved to the top of the table with a convincing 5-0 win at Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves. Shane Akers, Albie Howe, Dane Schmuda, Sam Peck and Kieran Nurse with the goals.

In Division Four, Ingoldisthorpe secured their first points of the season with a 4-1 win at home to North Elmham. Shane Watson is looking to be a great signing, scoring a hat-trick. Max Andrews with the other goal.

Cricket

The victorious Snettisham Women. Top left is Coach Julie Fielder and far right Captain Michelle Knott

Snettisham Women secured the Shell UK Norfolk Women’s Cricket League title for the first time at the weekend without even bowling a ball, after securing maximum points in a walkover win over Sheringham Women, winning the title by a solitary point over North Runcton. It is no mean feat for the local side, who brought in experienced coach, Julie Fielder, at the start of the season. Captain, Michelle Knott, said, “obviously we are disappointed with not playing to secure the win, but it should not take anything away from the team and Julie, who all thoroughly deserve their maiden title”.

In Division Two of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance, Sandringham & Dersingham were 7 wicket winners at home to Bradenhan, with Lloyd Richmond's 5 wicket haul the pick of the stats. Bircham lost by 6 wickets at Gt. Witchingham 2nds. Both sides now playing for pride, clear of any relegation or promotion battles.

In Division Four, Snettisham CC had a routine 9 wicket win at Old Buckenham 2nds. Keiran Herbert with 5 wickets. They now go into their final game of the season knowing a win at home against lowly Bradfield 2nds will secure a minimum top two finish and, with it, a potential promotion. In fact, they still have aspirations of winning the title should leaders Sprowston 2nds slip up.

In Division Five, Thornham made hard work of a 44 run win at Horsford. At one point Thornham were 6 wickets down for just 4 runs, before the tail order rescued them. They can also secure a top two finish next week and a possible promotion with a win in their final game of the season. However, it is going to prove to be a tense shootout, as they host the team immediately below them in the table, Reepham & Salle, who can leapfrog the local side with a win. Neutral umpires have been requested given what is at stake. Worth watching this one if you are at a loose end.

Bowls

The Torrey Cup has been taking place for over 100 years in Heacham.

Nearly 50 participants will take part in this year’s event over three weekends, with the finals on Sunday, 6th September on the excellent Heacham Sports & Social Club bowling green.

The first qualifier took place on Sunday, with three teams securing a berth for finals weekend, with the second qualifiers taking place this coming Sunday, 31st August.

T&A’s roving reporter will be looking to raise a few eyebrows, teaming up with Colin Chilvers and Mark Morrison, aiming to claim a place on finals weekend.