Sports Update - W/E 16th & 17th August

Snettisham and Thornham Cricket Clubs win again, good start for the Linnets and local bowls league concludes.

Cricket 

In Division Two of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance, Bircham slipped to a 25 run defeat at home to Bradenham in a high scoring and entertaining encounter. The visitors posted a whopping 327 and the home side looked like they would chase it down with John and Nathan King half centuries but fell just short.

In the same Division, Sandringham & Dersingham fell to a heavy 114 run defeat at Beccles. Chasing 175, the local side were all out for 61. A hat-trick of wickets for Chris Smith the only positive.

In Division Four, a top two finish and likely promotion is now in their own hands after a convincing 8 wicket win at home to leaders Sprowston 2nds. Having restricted the table toppers to 120 - aided by Jonathan Forder’s four wickets - Snettisham easily chased down their target, with man of the match Jonathan Forder’s 64 not out the pick of the batting statistics. With the top two still to face eachother, it means wins in their final two games will secure Snettisham a top two finish.

In Division Four, Thornham had a routine 9 wicket win at home to Narborough. Three wickets for Tom Wallace and Nath Linsell’s 74 not out seeing them chase down their target of 170 with ease. They too are in control of their own destiny with just two games to go, although it could come down to the final day of the season when they welcome 3rd placed Reepham & Salle CC for a potential promotion deciding shoot out.

On Friday evening, a Snettisham XI played the 8:56 Foundation Charity side. The charity raises awareness of and support for mental health. They play over twenty games throughout the season across Norfolk. It proved to be an exciting encounter, played in a festive atmosphere, with Daniel Cook hitting the winning runs for Snettisham off the penultimate ball.

Football

King’s Lynn Town FC secured all three points in a 2-0 win at Hereford on Saturday, and deservedly so.Two first half goals from Ross Crane put the Linnets in charge. New signing, Michael Gyasi, continues to show why he will pose a threat to all teams this season. Early days, but Lynn are 5th in the Conference League North. They face a proper test today (Tuesday) evening when they travel to County Durham side, Spennymoor Town, who have won their opening two league games.

Heacham FC were without a game this weekend as they prepare to face Ely City in the FA Vase on Saturday at their Station Road base.

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers will see it as two points dropped as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by a hardworking Caister side. Sam Peck put the Derse one nil up before they conceded late on with a deflected free kick.

In Division Three, Heacham Reserves will feel disappointed they didn’t gain a share of the spoils as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers ‘A’, Jack Rix with the goal for Heacham.

In Division Four, a young Dersingham Reserves side maintained their 100% winning start to the season with a 4-2 success at fancied Madra. Goals from Mason Haddleton, Dane Hipkin, Brandon King and Jamie Wightman securing all three points. Ingoldisthorpe FC were on the end of a 5-1 drubbing at the Woottons FC, Ethan Broughton with the local side’s goal.

Bowls

The North West Norfolk Bowls League reached a conclusion last week. Ingoldisthorpe Bowls Club topped Division One, with South Creake BC runners up, whilst Docking BC secured the Division Two title, with Snettisham Excelsior runners up.

In the Countryside League, the Eddie Hipkin Cup Final will be between Ingoldisthorpe and Snettisham Ex (2.30pm Saturday, 30th August at Searles BC) whilst The KO Shield will be contested by Ingoldisthorpe and Heacham Ex ‘A’ (6.15pm Tuesday, 2nd September at Dersingham Inst. BC).

Tennis

Don’t forget it is the famous Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament this week on Hunstanton Recreation Ground. With the weather looking good, why not pop across to watch the high quality tennis on display or to sample some of the refreshments and cuisine on offer. It is also the 50th anniversary of organiser, Chris Holt’s, involvement.

Photo credit Dave Nice