Weekend Sports Update 10th-11th August

Football and cricket reports

Football

With Heacham FC without a game this weekend, Dersingham Rovers and Ingoldisthopre took centre stage as they kick started their seasons in Division One and Division Three of the Anglian Combination League respectively..

A sublime Joe Collison hat trick meant Dersingham began the season with a well earned win, 3-0 victors over visitors Loddon United. Ingoldisthorpe, however, face an inquisition as they were convincingly beaten at home by Easton Reserves, 5-0.

Heacham FC return to action on Tuesday evening as they welcome Dereham Town (7.45pm kick off).

Cricket 

It was a busy and crucial weekend for all local sides in their bids for promotion.

In Division Two of the Norfolk Cricket Alliance, Bircham slipped to second as they were on the receiving end of an eight wicket mauling at Garboldisham. Dereham returned to top spot despite also losing, however, they claimed more bonus points to leapfrog Bircham and lead by just three points. Third placed Horsford - who beat Dereham - are just a further two points back. Bircham travel to Horsford in two weeks time in what will be a pivotal game in the promotion race run in.

In Division Three, a Darren Bunn century and three wickets apiece for Lloyd Richmond and Peter Brasset were enough as Sandringham 1st XI beat Hockwold by 44 runs to close within just two points of second placed Great Melton 2nds, whom they travel to on Saturday.

In Division Four, Snettisham moved up to second as they beat Sprowston 2nds by 18 runs. Man of the match, Ryan Twiddy’s half century and two wickets along with four wickets for Jamie Wing were enough to see the local side over the line. They face a tough run in, as they play first and third as the season reaches a pulsating climax.

In Division One of the Norfolk Cricket League, Thornham’s push for promotion was enhanced as they also moved into second place with a nervy four wicket win over local rivals, Snettisham 2nd XI. Alex Fry’s five wicket haul the pick of the match statistics aided by Chris Burgess’s half century and veteran, Jim Clarke’s, hat trick. It is tight at the top with just 15 points dividing the top five teams, although Thornham do have a favourable run in. Snettisham’s promotion prospects are now looking slim as a consequence of this defeat.