Report: Dave Reeder
Photos: Jo Smallwood
Jonah Wicks produced a magnificent unbeaten century and Peter Lambert a powerful 72 not out as Swardeston pulled off a commanding five-wicket victory at Bury St Edmunds in the Anglian Vehicle Linings East Anglian Premier League.
Bury St Edmunds batted first after Swardeston won the toss and elected to field. The hosts made a competitive total of 295 for five from their 50 overs.
Their innings was built around a composed 77 from Harry Gallian, who struck six fours and four sixes, while Will Routledge added 52 at the top of the order.
There was also late acceleration from Ben Whittaker with an unbeaten 52 coming from just 29 balls, including six fours and a six, as Bury St Edmunds pushed on after reaching 206 for five in the 40th over.
Tom Rash provided valuable support with an unbeaten 44.
For Swardeston, Richard Sims was the pick of the bowlers with two for 54 from his 10 overs, while Saranga Rajaguru and Lewis Reeder both bowled tight spells and Matthew Taylor took the key wicket of Gallian with a run-out.
The Swardeston chase did not begin smoothly as they slipped to 51 for three and then 103 for four after Daniel Shanks struck twice with the new ball and Tom Rash removed Alfie Cooper.
Jonah Wicks then anchored the innings brilliantly, finishing unbeaten on 116 from 100 balls with 12 fours and three sixes.
After Saranga Rajaguru fell for 14 at 138 for five, Peter Lambert joined Wicks and wrestled the game away from the hosts with a blistering unbeaten 72 from 49 deliveries, which included seven fours and a six.
The pair ran the ball around superbly, putting pressure on the Bury fielders whilst also despatching any loose ball.
The pair guided Swardeston to 296 for five in just 44.1 overs, sealing victory with 35 balls to spare and earning Swardeston 25 points from an excellent chase.
Scorecard: https://swardeston.play-cricket.com/website/results/7205527
