Drayton v Bacton 26th August 2007

Bacton 111 Drayton 112-7 A depleted Drayton side defeated Bacton on Sunday to keep alive their chances of runners up spot in the Mid Norfolk League Alf Mace Division. Bacton batted first on a pitch which was still damp from the heavy rain of the previous week, and it quickly became clear that there would be little bounce in the pitch. Drayton did not have to wait long for their first wicket as Philip Wright caught a skier in Matt Bourne's opening over. Bourne struck again in his fourth over - dismissing the dangerous Lester for 12, and in the following over Jason Trett removed Nobby Cobb to leave Bacton at 21-3. With Drayton down to just three recognised bowlers, captain Warren Kedge stepped up to the plate, and in conjunction with Mike Bown he was able to tie down Bacton during the middle overs of their innings. Shortly after drinks Kedge clean bowled Olley for 11 and then snaffled a sharp return catch to dismiss Underwood. Some lusty hitting from Stringer (36 not out) and Searby (17) spoilt Kedge's figures, but full credit should go to the captain for bravely bowling 10 overs. Withj Bacton on 103-5 with nine overs remaining the match was well poised, however a devastating burst from Trett saw Bacton bowled out for 111. Trett ended with outstanding figures of 7.5-5-3-5. A mention to for the youngsters Tom Barnes and Tom Radford, the latter on debut, who both fielded exceptionally.

Drayton's prolific openers Tim Woods and Philip Wright set out to build an innings against the military medium opening attack of Bacton knowing that the ball was not coming onto the bat to enable them to play big shots. Having safely reached drinks at 51-0, Drayton immediately lost Wright for 26 to a tame shot. Jason Trett then played his best innings of the season launching one trademark six in his 23 - however Trett, as well as Woods (33) and Tony Gregory fell in quick succession to leave Drayton's weakened batting line up in trouble. Mike Bown, however, took the opportunity to show he is a capable batsman and with Matt Bourne for partnership inched the score towards the target of 112. Bourne fell with victory in sight, however the stage was set for the skipper Kedge to confirm his man of the match status, and he secured victory with a pull through square leg - Bown ended on 12 not out. This Sunday sees the final game of the season against Costessey at home - start 1pm.