Swardeston’s EAPL title challenge was put on hold as they lost to Great Witchingham by 53 runs at Walcis Park.
Swardeston were bowled out for 158 in pursuit of a victory target of 212, allowing Horsford and Vauxhall Mallards – who both won – to draw closer to their Norfolk rivals.
Witchingham chose to bat first but struggled to build meaningful partnerships as Sam Arthurton (40) and Willie Lonsdale (49) held the hosts’ innings together, without passing the half-century mark.
When Norfolk skipper George Walker bagged his fourth wicket to make it 172 for eight, Witchingham looked unlikely to reach 200, but Jonathan Spelman hit 28no to push the total up to 211 when his team were all out in the 61st over.
Witches captain James Spelman claimed the wickets of Peter Lambert, Jordan Taylor, Michael Parlane and Stephen Gray as Swardeston struggled to 63 for five.
The rot was stopped by 15-year-old Callum Taylor and Walker, who added 62 for the sixth wicket. Taylor, who has spent the week with his Swardeston team-mate Matthew Taylor at the Bunbury Youth Cricket Festival, fell to Jonathan Spelman for 35 and that signalled the beginning of the end for the visitors.
The seamer steam-rollered the Swardeston lower order to finish with figures of five for 27, securing Witchingham’s second win of the season.
The 2nd XI returned to winning ways with a six wicket win against Bradenham on the Common.
Mark Hunter (75) and Kevin Stagles (52) gave Bradenham hope, but it was extinguished by Swardeston’s Ben Shearing (89 not out – pictured) and Sapumal Herathge (69).
Meanwhile, the 3rd XI crashed to defeat against bottom-of-the-table Hales and Loddon at Hilltops.
Rory Olpin bagged six for 35 from his 12 overs to help Swardeston bowl Hales and Loddon out for what should have been an under-par 106, but in reply Swardeston were reduced to 22 for five from six overs and never recoved, eventually finishing 14 runs short.
Swardeston CEYMS registered a convincing 6 wicket win against Bradenham 2nds at Bradenham Green.
Bowling first, Swardeston CEYMS made light work of Bradenham’s batting order by bowling them out for just 91 – Yash Kulkarni returning figures of 4 for 26 and Ollie Kennard also picking up 3 wickets.
In reply, Jack Wells (23) and Dermot Beetson (23 not out) ensured the win.
