Report: Dave Reeder
Photos: Alan Barber
Swardeston lost out in a thriller at Manor Park against Horsford in the Anglian Vehicle Linings East Anglian Premier league.
The hosts won the toss and asked Swardeston to bat first. After a steady start, Swardeston lost both openers, Chapman (12) and France (23), in quick succession.
Captain Alfie Cooper joined Tim Ward before Cooper was out LBW for 23. Ward was looking in fine touch before he was bowled by Ryan Findley for 59.
Richard Sims, in his first game of the season, was then joined by Saranga Rajaguru. Sims batted superbly, rotating the strike and despatching anything loose.
Rajaguru played his usual attacking innings as both players brought up their half-centuries. The pair had put on an excellent partnership of 116 before Rajaguru was LBW for 63.
Sims was eventually run out off the final ball of the innings for a superb knock of 86 as Swardeston posted 302 for 6.
In reply, Horsford lost an early wicket when Lewis Reeder had the dangerous Neil Hornbuckle caught for 16.
Jordan Neil joined Reynolds as the pair put on 91 for the 2nd wicket before Neil was out LBW by Ben France for 33. Charlie Hood was then run out for 36 by Richard Sims and Will Bowman was caught for 20 off Rajaguru.
Meanwhile, Jason Reynolds continued to hold the innings together and brought up his match-winning century before being caught for 103 off Richard Sims.
The game was still evenly balanced, but some late hitting from Will Rogers (37) and Callum Metcalf (36no) got the home side over the line with just 2 balls to spare.
Scorecard: https://swardeston.play-cricket.com/website/results/7205331
