Report: Dave Reeder
Photo: Jo Smallwood
Swardeston held their nerve to secure a hard-fought two-wicket win over Sudbury in the Anglian Vehicle Linings East Anglian Premier Cricket League at The Common on Saturday.
Swardeston won the toss and elected to field first. Lewis Reeder claimed the first wicket when he had Ned Overbury (19) caught at slip by Alife Cooper.
Ben France then had Darren Batch LBW for 21 before Liyanpathathirange (5) was bowled by Adam Todd. Todd took his second, removing De Costa (9) before Lack (7) was superbly run out by an accurate long throw by Rajaguru.
Bobby East then helped repair the visitors’ position after Swardeston had reduced them to 68 for five, with Ben Reece adding an important 31 and Patrick Sadler contributing 20 late on.
East made an excellent 70, striking nine fours and two sixes from 96 balls before being LBW to France. France finished with three for 47, while Adam Todd and Saranga Rajaguru both claimed two wickets.
Rajaguru’s economical 14-over spell cost just 45 runs while Reeder’s 12-over spell cost just 39 runs.
Swardeston’s chase began with early setbacks, but Ben Chapman anchored the reply with a composed 64 from 101 balls.
Alfie Cooper added a valuable 48, and their partnership lifted the hosts from 39 for two to 117 for three.
Sudbury fought back, however, through Madhuka Liyanapathiranage, who produced a fine spell of four for 47 from 18 overs, supported by two wickets apiece for Patrick Sadler and Ben Reece.
When Swardeston slipped to 155 for eight, the match was firmly in the visitors’ favour. However, Adam Todd and Lewis Reeder showed impressive composure in an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 58.
Todd finished unbeaten on 35 with 6 fours, while Reeder made 25 not out with 4 fours and 1 six. The result gave Swardeston 25 points while Sudbury collected 10 points after pushing the home side all the way in a gripping contest.
Scorecard: https://swardeston.play-cricket.com/website/results/7205639
Watch the match livestream replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3X5pQ-dsMg
