A disappointing Saturday for the 1st XI saw them slip to mid table as they slumped to a 187 run defeat away to Vauxhall Mallards. The hosts posted a total of 304 before declaring after 65 overs. Mark Thomas led the bowling taking 3 for 40 and he was convinced he had James Marshall trapped leg before off one of his 11 no balls. The New Zealand test cricketer went on to post 131, hitting 21 fours and one six in his 143 ball knock. Richard Moores (49) gave good support as they added 139 for the fifth wicket.
In reply Martin Addison (3-26) soon had Swardeston on the back foot as they crumbled to 44-5. Ian Tufts (40) and George Walker (29) added 70 for the sixth wicket but when Tufts fell to Alastair Turner it was the start of a collapse which saw five wickets fall to Turner and Paul Bradshaw (3-22) for the addition of just three runs.
The 2nd XI drew with Stow at The Common to stay second in Alliance Division One, Stow posted 246-9 with W Denny (57) and D Perera (50) posting half centuries. Matthew Taylor took 3-48 from his 13 overs while Neil Fox took 3-59.
In reply Swardeston saw Rob Newman (49) and Callum Taylor (22), on his 13th birthday, add 50 for the fourth wicket, but when Newman was out at 137-6 Swardeston had to regroup. Dale Reynolds (31) and Tony Bailey (50*) added 65 for the seventh wicket, and they achieved the required 90% for the extra points with Bailey reaching his half century off the last ball of the match as he added 21 for the last wicket with Matthew Taylor (10*).
The A XI recorded a vital win in Division Two, winning at Fakenham A by five wickets. Matt Hogg led the bowling taking 4-28 from his twelve overs and was well backed up by Tim Price (2-33), David Horrex (2-35) and Robbie Micklethwaite (2-43).
Ex-Norfolk bowler Ian Slegg reduced Swardeston to 49-4 but Jon Olpin (48), Matt Hogg (33*) and Price (24*) saw the visitors home with over 12 overs to spare.
David Micklethwaite scored his second consecutive unbeaten league century as Swardeston CEYMS moved up to fourth with a five wicket win at Bradfield A. The hosts posted 242-7 with C Scanell (77) and Sam Kimber (78) adding 140 for the second wicket. Ollie Kennard led the bowlers with 4-18, Toby Fletcher taking 2-16.
Micklethwaite finished 110* and was well supported by Will Kennard (66) as they added 102 for the third wicket, Micklethwaite stayed to see victory secured with four balls to spare.
On Sunday the Mid Norfolk Sunday League side maintained their 100% winning record with a 136 run victory at Great Melton. Daniel Martin (74) and Alex Bilham (101) added 156 for the second wicket with Bilham’s century taking just 55 balls to complete containing 14 fours and 4 sixes. Steve Cadge continued the assault with 64 as the league leaders posted 314-8. Jonny Cooper swapping the claret and blue for the colours of Great Melton led the bowling with 3-38.
In reply Melton got off to a good start with Jonny Cooper hitting 51, but the innings fell away when Tim Price (2-32) picked up his wicket and Melton struggled along to 178-7.
