Sports Update - W/E 12th & 13th July

Keeley makes it a hat-trick of wins as he triumphs at the Hunstanton Bowls Tournament, some tight games as cricket season building up to a pulsating finish, Heacham FC start season well and Bates golf form promising.

Bowls

The annual Hunstanton Bowls Tournament proved yet another success. The improved and immaculate greens ensured a high standard of bowls throughout the week. 

Local man, Graham Keeley, managed to achieve a hat-trick of wins as he won the Open for the third year on the trot, beating Wootton Park Bowls Club colleague, Richard Frohawk, 21-17 in the final. 

Exciting prospect, George Almey(16), fell agonisingly short at the semi final stage but managed to reach the Juniors Final.

Cricket

Sandringham & Dersingham failed to build on last weekend’s superb win in Division Two of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance as they slipped to a tense 3 wicket defeat at home to Mattishall, with the visitor’s rear guard batting order seeing them nervously chase down the home side’s posting of 207. A tough season for the 2nd XI continued as they lost by 210 runs at Overstrand. A hat-trick of wickets from Tharul Alahakoon the only real positive as they remain bottom of Division One of the Norfolk Cricket League (NCL).

In the same Division, Bircham had an impressive 5 wicket win against Norwich 2nds, easily chasing down the visitors score of 139, with Liam Crompton’s half century and Tom King’s hat-trick setting them on their way. The 2nds lost by 3 wickets at Gt. Melton 4ths leaving them rooted at the bottom of Division Three in the NCL.

In Division Four, Snettisham were agonisingly beaten by just 1 wicket against Hingham, failing to get the visitor’s last man out. James Hearmon’s 50 not out and a Jon Forder hat-trick the only consolation. The 2nds remain in the top three of Division One of the NCL with a 67 run win at Drayton. Zac Fountain’s 84 and Lloyd Osborne’s 4 wicket haul proving key.

In Division Five, Thornham are very much back in the promotion mix as they had an impressive 4 wicket win at home to Eaton. Adam Rose’s hat-trick leaving them just two points off 2nd place. The 2nd XI made it a good weekend for the local club, as they beat North Runcton by 61 runs. Micah Randall’s 28 not out and hat-trick the pick of the stats.

Football

A new look Heacham FC’s season has started in earnest with two friendlies in the past week. Last Tuesday evening they drew with Castle Acre 2-2 (Callum Robinson and Toby Hilliard) and on Saturday earned a creditable 1-0 win against Parson’s Drove, with ex Holbeach player, Callum Wright, notching. 

The club also held a Family Fun Day, with bouncy castles, stalls, children’s activities and a barbecue creating a festival atmosphere. 

Heacham have been drawn at home in the early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase, facing Newmarket Town (2nd August) and Ely City (23rd August) respectively. Their league season starts on Saturday, 26th July with a trip to Hadleigh United followed by a mouth watering home derby against local rivals, Fakenham Town (7.45pm Kick off on Tuesday, 29th July).

Heacham Supporters Club are also inviting people to sign up for just £5. Membership includes entry into prize draws throughout the season and various discounts at local businesses. For more information, please contact Denis Cooper at deniscooper06@aol.com .

West Lynn FC U10’s have been crowned national champions in a recent tournament at England FA’s national headquarters at St. George’s Park in Burton. Having won a qualifying event from over 40 teams at Skegness, they won the finals overcoming other regional winners. Proud manager, Danny Barr, said, “really pleased for the boys who earned the win, and for them to enjoy St. George’s Park was the icing on the cake”.

Golf

After the disappointment of failing to make it through the Open qualifiers, local golf professional, Warren Bates, returned to action in Tier One of the Clutch Pro Tour at Oxford Golf Club last week, securing a creditable 7th place from over 100 players, putting him in the prize money category. Next up for Bates on the Tour is a trip to Brocket Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire this week.