Bradenham stun Norwich in historic win

In an era when Carter Cup shocks are becoming increasingly rare, Bradenham bucked the trend to pull off one of the biggest-ever upsets by beating Norwich on Sunday.

The ever-increasing gap in standard between Norfolk's East Anglian Premier League clubs and the rest of the county's teams has made it an almost foregone conclusion that the big sides compete the latter stages of the premier cup tournament.

But Alliance Division Two club Bradenham refused to follow the script as they defeated EAPL side Norwich by 38 runs to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Club spokesman and first team player Patrick Dewing, who missed the game through injury, said: "All of the Norwich team on Sunday have played EAPL cricket this year, so it was a strong side. I can't recall us playing an EAPL side before, so it was nice to get that opportunity, but as the game went on we were competing on even terms and we gained belief from that.

"I know our guys have got the ability and it is slightly frustrating we haven't done that week in, week out in the league this year."

Bradenham were put into bat on a damp wicket and youngster Luke Findlay held the top order together with a determined 37.

Even then, the home side were struggling on 87 for five before skipper Brett Gates (33) and Kevin Blakey (41) put on 73 for the sixth wicket.

That allowed Bradenham to post a total of 186 all out, with Norwich's Sri Lankan Surappulige Malinga claiming four wickets and Ashley Watson taking three.

Wickets fell steadily when Norwich batted, but as long as skipper Chris Borrett remained at the crease they looked capable of reaching their target. It was when he was removed by Gates that the prospect of an upset began to form and although Watson rallied with 31, he was trapped lbw by Steven Watts, leaving Norwich on 139 for nine.

While Gates had taken four wickets, much of the credit for Norwich's plight went to 14-year-old left arm spinner Ryan Findlay, who took one for 21 in his 12 overs.

The glory of the final wicket fell to Ryan's father, Roly Findlay, as he bowled Paul Wiseman with the score on 148 to wrap up a memorable day for Bradenham.

Dewing was especially pleased with the contribution of the younger Findlays, adding: "Ryan bowled with excellent control, he is not fazed by anything. Luke is only 16 but he held the innings together until lunch and gave us a base that allowed the other players to play some shots later on."

East Harling were unable to pull off a similar shock as they were bowled out for 60 at home to EAPL leaders Swardeston, with George Walker taking six wickets.

The home side managed to salvage some pride by claiming four Swardeston wickets, but the visitors cruised home in the 12th over.

But there was a surprise at Diss, where Alliance Premier Division side Cromer lost to the hosts, who play in Division One.

Diss' total of 142 all out looked to be light, but they then bowled Cromer out for 114.

Vauxhall Mallards make up the quartet of semi-finalists after they bowled Fakenham out for 97 and surpassed that with three wickets down.

The shock of the Lady Mary Trophy quarter-finals came at Great Melton, as they beat Saham Toney.

Knights Norfolk League Division One side Melton batted first against their Alliance Division One opponents and Martin Bunn top scored with 28 in a total of 180.

Saham were then bowled out for 161, with two wickets apiece for Henry Wanchoo, Jonny Cooper, Nathan Devlin and Neal Clarke.

Bradfield also beat a side from a higher division as they reached the semi-finals with victory over Stow.

Stow were restricted to 115 for eight in reply to Bradfield's 168 all out. Edward Locke was the star of the show for Bradfield, scoring 64 and then taking one for eight from nine overs.

Brooke (199 for eight) beat Acle (152) by 47 runs and the other tie between Old Buckenham and Great Witchingham was postponed and will now be played this Sunday.

The draw for the semi-finals, which will be played on Sunday, July 15, will be made on Friday.