Swardeston won the Lords Taverners/Norfolk Cricket Board under 12s competition at The UEA Sportspark on 27 February and now go on to represent The County in the East Anglia finals on 20 March.
Eight teams competed across two groups with some keenly contested matches played over 10 overs each. Group one was very close with the top three positions not decided until the final ball was bowled. The surprise winners were Ashmanhaugh who won all of their matches showing great maturity and good awareness of the indoor game.
Vauxhall Mallards just edged out a gallant Garboldisham team for the second semi-final spot. Special mention must go to Sheringham who despite team raising problems fulfilled their fixtures with a team including four girls and the only hat-trick of the day.
Group two was a little more cut and dried with Swardeston/CEYMS and Horsford comfortably winning their opening two matches and Swardeston the decider to determine the group winners.
In the first semi-final Ashmanhaugh won a tense affair blocking out the last over to beat Horsford by the narrowest of margins of two runs. Swardeston continued their dominance in the other beating Vauxhall Mallards.
Ashmanhaugh batted first in the final and were probably un-done by losing five wickets costing them 25 penalty runs as they finished 175-5 for a net 150 total.
Swardeston lost two early wickets but thereafter cruised to victory by a healthy 38 run margin and secured the title as worthy champions. Their all round game was exemplary and on this display will take some beating in the regional finals.
