Sports Update - Weekend 8th & 9th March

Crufts, cricket, bowls and football in the focus this week.

Thornham Cricket Club are preparing for a new season in the Norfolk Cricket Alliance League after being promoted last year. They have received some good news in advance as they have been elevated from Division Six to Division Five for the 2025 season without even bowling a ball. A review by the League determined the local club warranted playing at this level. Club captain, Ben Harris, is delighted with the news saying, “whilst it creates a bigger challenge, we are confident we can compete at this level”.

As the new bowls season looms, Cliff Parade Bowls Club are already preparing for their legendary annual Hunstanton Bowls Tournament which runs from the 5th-11th July. Anyone wishing to enter must do so by the 1st April by contacting Joe Murfitt by email at community@alivewestnorfolk.co.uk .

You may remember the story featured in Town & Around last year of Nick Johnson and his dog Louis who were trekking around the English coastline and border in aid of Ovarian Cancer Action. T&A interviewed them as they passed through Sunny Hunny. Yesterday (Sunday) they were nominated for the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award at Crufts. Unfortunately, they didn’t win but, as Nick said, “all the dogs were winners in their own right” (more to follow on this story in the next edition of Town & Around). Four year old whippet, Miuccia, from Venice in Italy won best in show.

In football, King's Lynn remain in the last play off place in the Conference League North after a hard fought 2-0 win at Southport. An audacious long distance lob from Greg Taylor and a superb free kick from Josh Hmami enough to secure all three points. It is all to play for with just seven games left starting with the visit of leaders Brackley Town tomorrow (Tuesday) evening (7.45pm Kick off).

Library photo of Greg Taylor 

Library photo of Josh Hmami

In the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, Heacham FC were beaten by high flying Brantham Athletic 3-0 with the visitors now in pole position to secure the title with their games in hand. A scorleine doesn’t always paint a picture and that was the case here, as Heacham were the better side for the first half an hour, had a penalty claim turned down at 0-0 and missed a gilt edged chance to take the lead before conceding two sloppy goals just before the break. Brantham added a third in the second half.

In Division One of the Anglian Combination, Dersingham Rovers slipped to a surprise 3-1 home loss to Holt United. They failed to capitalise after taking the lead through Joe Collison, as Holt scored three goals without reply. Dersingham are 4th with just seven points dividing the top six teams.

In Division Two, has the worm turned, as Ingoldisthorpe FC won 5-2 against Aylsham Reserves in a six pointer. The ‘Thorpe have closed the gap to their opponents to just three points as they strive to avoid relegation. Kieran Herbert, Aaron Herbert, Max Andrews, Alfie Jackson and Dylan Ess with the goals. Chairman, Eddie Herbert, said, “we’ve left it a bit late in the season but we are now looking a good side. Also, our congratulations and best wishes to Lewis Herbert who has moved on to play for higher level Swaffham FC”.

In Division Four, leaders Heacham Reserves remain top of the Division with a routine 4-1 win at Dereham Town Development. Braces from Tyler Reeve and Jaden Poore securing the points. Dersingham Reserves are trying to keep pace with the promotion pack, 3-1 victors at Watton United Reserves. Jack Rix, Cam Seal and Jack Johnson with the goals.
In Division One of the North West Norfolk League, Dersingham Rovers ‘A’ had a walkover win over West Winch FC and remain in 2nd place.

In Division Two, FC St. Edmunds Hunstanton remain unbeaten in five with a hard earned point at West Lynn FC as a top half of the table finish becomes a real possibility. Goals from Colby Auker and Alfie Penn enough to secure a share of the spoils.

In the Thurlow Nunn Youth League, Heacham FC U18’s will be looking to make amends for last week’s surprise 2-1 defeat at FDL Rangers U18’s as they travel to Aylsham FC U18’s on Thursday evening.