Lambert guided Swardeston’s 1st XI to within five runs of victory at home to Bury, but he was then last man out, five short of his maiden EAPL century.
Bury were put into bat at The Common and after Michael Eccles removed both openers, they looked set for a big score as they went in for lunch on 131 for two. But three balls after the interval the 100-run stand between Scott Harvey (53) and Simon Rees (55) was broken and it needed a crucial, quickfire 38 from Tom Rash to push the visitors up to 213 all out. Jaden Hatwell claimed three wickets for Swardeston.
Swardeston were looking good at 77 for one in response, with Joel Abraham (43) and Lambert proceeding smoothly. But a disastrous spell either side of tea saw the departure of Abraham, Hatwell, Will Rist, George Walker and Ian Tufts as the hosts slumped to 107 for six.
Chances of a home victory looked even more remote when Mark Thomas departed with the score on 143, but an eighth-wicket stand of 65 between Lambert and Eccles turned the game on its head. There was a final twist, however, as Michael Nunn took three wickets in six balls, finishing with the scalp of Lambert, who had fired four sixes and 10 fours in his 99-ball innings.
The 2nd XI slipped to defeat away at Bradfield in their first league match. Having bowled Bradfield out for 198 with Dale Reynolds taking three for 34, they were then shot out for 133.
In the 3rds, Jonny Martin (72no) and Kevin Cooper (75no) helped Swardeston cruise to an eight-wicket win against Kirkley & Lowestoft Railway at Hilltops. David Horrex had earlier taken five for 34.
In the 4ths, Tom Snelling bagged six wickets and Jason Reynolds scored 75 as Swardeston-CEYMS won by 32 runs at Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers.
