Ben Shearing reviews the 2nd XI win over Old Buckenham in the premier division of the Dipple and Conway Norfolk Cricket Alliance.
After the first weekend’s washout at Sprowston on the opening day of the season, the second team got their season underway with a solid win against Old Buckenham.
With The Common looking a pretty picture in the rare British sunshine, skipper Ben Hogg won the toss and invited the visitors to take to the field.
Openers Freddie Ruffle and Daniel Martin ensured a solid start and some wayward bowling from the Old Buckenham’s opening bowlers allowed Swardeston to get off to a good start without the need to take early risks. Once Ruffle had departed following several imperious cover drives, Jason Reynolds looked to get himself settled at the crease before gifting his wicket away to a rare loose delivery from Bucks bowler Rob Austin.
Our 2016 Overseas Daniel Poulton got his first taste of batting in Norfolk on a good track at the The Common. He and Daniel Martin continued to build on the solid start as they shared a third wicket partnership of 119 runs.
Martin was then adjudged LBW for 54. Poulton continued his innings in a positive fashion as wickets fell around him. Whilst on paper, the batting card looks to go deep, only Matthew Taylor (17) provided any support for Daniel as he was left stranded on 94 not out as we were bowled out just short of 49 overs for 268. Old Buckenham spinner Rob Austin collecting bowling figures of 7-30.
The Old Buckenham reply started in steady fashion before Bucks captain Terry Perry was caught well by Daniel Martin at third man.
The visitor’s Australian import James Deacon was bought to the crease and shared a productive partnership with young opener Matthew Bint of 78 before Deacon clubbed an interesting delivery from Matt Taylor to mid-wicket.
Old Buckenham threatened our total with contributions from Andy Lawrence (36) and Jon Lee (24 from 11 balls) but eventually finished their innings on 249-8 which handed us our first victory in the new “win/lose” format this year. Highlights of the bowling performance were Matt Taylor with 3-46 and Dale Reynolds with 3-49.
The seconds continue their league season away at North Runcton on Saturday 14th May.
