Sports Update - W/E 22nd & 23rd March

James Wild MP helps out at Thornham CC, Heacham Minors benefit from new kits and local weekend football round up.

It is out with the old and in with the new over at Thornham Cricket Club as they prepare for life in Division Five of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance League this season. Local MP, James Wild, was on hand to help out as they knocked down their old pavillion and commenced building a new one ready for completion later this Summer. Ex-captain, Chris Smith, said,” we initially took out the lease on the playing field in 1977 and all progress has been made from kind donations over the years. The old pavillion held some happy memories”.

James cuts the first turf

Present Club Captain, Ben Harris, said, “after last season's successes with the first team promoted to the Norfolk Cricket Alliance, our Sunday team winning their Sunday League amongst a T20 cup win and our O40's reaching finals day we can't wait to see the impact of these improved facilities”.

The football connoisseurs at Heacham Walking Football Club have helped out their younger cohorts by purchasing new kits for the Heacham Minors U7’s and U8’s squads. Youngster’s coach, Colin Chilvers - who also plays walking football - said, “it was a great example of the statesmen of walking football helping grassroots football. 

"Thank you for the kind donation from my walking football colleagues, all the kids are delighted with their new kits”. 

Heacham WFC Manager, Steve Watson, added, “we are always pleased to help out our junior teams and, after watching the games, it is plain to see the future looks bright and in good hands”.

In the National Conference North League, King's Lynn FC moved back into the play off places with a hard fought 1-0 at Buxton. Greg Taylor with the all important goal midway through the second half before the hosts were reduced to ten men. Manager, Adam Lakeland, said, "we had to be disciplined and organised but deserved it. It is a really important win for us and it’s all about points now”. The Linnets occupy the final play off place.

Heacham FC made it six points from six this week in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division. After beating bottom of the table Sheringham 3-0 on Tuesday evening, they returned from Lakenheath with all three points at the weekend after an excellent 2-1 win with goals from Colby Wood and Jack Prentice.

Scottie Gray

In Division One of the Anglian Combination League, Dersingham Rovers cemented their place in the top three with a routine 4-0 win at Brandon Town. A hat-trick from the in-form Scottie Gray and a goal from Albie Howe enough to secure the points

In Division Three, Ingoldisthorpe FC's recent improvement in form came to an abrupt end as they were easily dispatched by Marshland Saints 5-1. The 'Thorpe remain in the bottom three with just three games to go and all to play for.

In the North West Norfolk League, Dersingham Rovers 'A' saw off neighbours Ingoldisthorpe Reserves in the League Cup, running out convincing 5-0 winners. A brace from Nathan Mitchell and a goal apiece for Sonny Devlin, Zack Kingshott and Callum Swan putting them in the hat for the second round draw.

Elsewhere in the NWNL, Heacham Minors Development FC and FC St. Edmunds Hunstanton both disappointingly bowed out of the League Cup, albeit in heartbreaking fashion, with both sides beaten on penalties against Gaywood FC and Clenchwarton Reserves respectively after both games ended 2-2.

In the Thurlow Nunn Youth League, 4th placed Heacham FC U18’s face two tough games in the next week, starting out tomorrow evening as they welcome 2nd placed Fakenham Town U18’s (7.45pm Kick off) before hosting leaders Sheringham FC U18’s next week.