The keenly anticipated clash between Swardeston and Vauxhall Mallards failed to live up to its billing as Mallards batted out for a draw.
Swardeston opted to bat first and opener Joel Abraham led the way with 68, adding 78 for the third wicket with Jaden Hatwell (35). Four quick wickets after lunch saw Swardeston fall from 138 for three to 159 for seven, but an eighth-wicket stand of 55 between George Walker (32) and skipper Mark Thomas (32) helped push their side up to 223 all out.
Richard Moores was Mallards’ leading bowler with four for 55, while Martin Addison claimed three for 59 and Mallards’ skipper Paul Bradshaw was unusually expensive, his two wickets coming at a cost of 75 runs.
Mallards were always behind the rate in reply, as their innings was built around a patient 71 from opener David Turner, who batted for 198 balls to register his first EAPL half-century.
He just failed to bat through, and was the last wicket to fall as Mallards closed on 181 for seven from 61 overs. Spinner Jaden Hatwell (three for 25) led the attack for Swardeston, with Sam Thelwell picking up two for 31.
For the 2nds there was, however, an exciting finale at Topcroft, where the hosts won by two wickets off the last ball of the match.
Michael Outar hit 60 for Swardeston, before James Goodfellow (69) and Chris Hancock (55) put Topcroft on course, despite Robert Micklethwaite taking four for 67.
In the 3rds, Swardeston B picked up a winning draw against Great Witchingham B. Rob Ebbage (74) and Robbie Bridgstock (65) top scored for Swardeston and although Jason Reynolds took four for 29, Witchingham were not bowled out, finishing 9 down.
For the 4ths, Jon Olpin scored 74 in a six wicket victory away to Diss. Diss were bowled out for 146 in just the 33rd over, with Rory Olpin (four for 28) and Josh Chatland (three for 26) among the wickets. Olpin then ensured the result was never in doubt with support from Peter Reynolds (31) and Chris Kennard (30 not out).
