Lambert ton keeps Swardeston in hunt

Peter Lambert’s maiden EAPL century kept Swardeston in the title hunt as they beat Halstead on Saturday.

Lambert, who has been out in the 90s three times this season, finally reached three figures during an opening stand of 192 with Jordan Taylor (58), who recorded his maiden league half-century.

Norfolk batsman Lambert went on to make 124 from 136 balls, with 17 fours and five sixes, before a breezy 42 from Richard Sims allowed Swardeston to declare on 314 for four from 55 overs at The Common.

Michael Eccles soon claimed the wicket of Halstead opener Amit Gupta, caught in the deep by Mark Thomas, before Sam Thelwell made further inroads into the top order with three wickets, leaving the visitors on 85 for four.

Spinners Jaden Hatwell and George Walker did the rest for Swardeston, Walker taking three for 29 and Hatwell two for 14 as Halstead were bowled out for 145 in the 40th over to hand the hosts a 169-run win.

That maximum points success cut Cambridge Granta’s lead to 35 points after they collected 25 points from a battling victory at Bury St Edmunds.