Carter Cup holders Fakenham crashed out at the first hurdle of their defence on Sunday as Swardeston gained revenge for their semi-final defeat last year.
The two sides entered this year’s competition at the second round stage under new competition rules and it was Swardeston who progressed to the quarter-finals after a convincing 104-run win.
After opting to bat first, Swardeston built their innings around New Zealander Joel Abraham, who fired 97 from 125 balls. When he was the fourth man out with the score on 168, Swardeston suffered a wobble and lost three more wickets for the addition of just nine runs, including Ian Tufts for 54. But Ed Hopkins (40no) and skipper Mark Thomas (30) helped the hosts regain their poise and Michael Eccles (23) featured in a ninth wicket stand of 44 with Hopkins. Swardeston finished on 271 for nine from their 60 overs, with spinner Joe Pipkin claiming three for 37.
Fakenham openers Keegan Monahan-Fairlie and Ben Harvey started solidly with a partnership of 35, but after they were out in quick succession, wickets fell regularly as Swardeston assumed control.
Eccles rounded off an excellent day with figures of four for 46 as Fakenham were bowled out for 167 in the 49th over.
Meanwhile, the Sunday XI were making strides of their own in the Mid-Norfolk Sunday League Challenge Cup at Great Witchingham.
Set 205 to win by the hosts, Swardeston cruised to victory in the 38th over – Matt Hogg making 78 and Dave Micklethwaite finishing unbeaten on 88.
