Hethersett & Tas Valley have become the first winners of the Carter/NACO Shield after beating Thetford by 127 runs.

Played at Halvergate, the home of Vauxhall Mallards, it was Hethersett who batted first and reached a formidable 228 for six off their allocated 40 overs.

After losing early wickets Hethersett pulled their innings back into shape aided in some ways by unnecessary extras, with Mark Wyatt's 42 and Nick Burrett's 37 leading the way.

A fourth-wicket stand of 72 between Burrett and Matt Ellis (58 not out) cemented their total together and a cameo unbeaten 34 from skipper David Coyle brought the innings to a close on 228 for six.

Young Sean Bowden was the pick of the Thetford bowlers with a well taken two for 24 off eight overs.

Needing nearly six runs an over to win, Thetford soon fell behind the required run rate and lost wickets regularly with Craig Baulch (24) and Ryan Conroy (28) the only batsmen to get to grips with the Hethersett bowling attack.

Young Sam Morton bowled an impressive eight overs of slow paced bowling, finishing up with two for 19 off his eight overs, including one maiden.

Coyle followed up his batting display with three wickets for a miserly nine runs off only four overs. Thetford were eventually bowled out for 101, losing by 127 runs, however to their credit they never gave in, battling well to the inevitable end with all players being a credit to their thriving club.

Again the Carter Competition produced another excellent day's cricket leaving man of the match adjudicator Richard Chapple the task of deciding where the coveted prize went. After consideration the winning captain, David Coyle, capped a day to remember by winning the award, winning a top grade cricket bat for his unbeaten 38 and bowling figures of three wickets for nine runs, a fine captain's performance.

Thanks must go to Vauxhall Mallards and all at Halvergate and also Fakenham where the original game was rained off for their excellent hospitality and first class facilities.

Both Hethersett and Thetford can be congratulated on reaching the first ever Carter/NACO Shield final. Hethersett also won the chance to play in the Lady Mary Trophy next season, a decision they can consider during the winter months.