Six of best for Norfolk

KEITH PEEL

Six of the 10 sides playing in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League next summer will be from Norfolk. Alliance champions Great Witchingham beat EAPL bottom team Mildenhall by 71 runs in Saturday's promotion/relegation play-off to book their place alongside Fakenham, Horsford, Norwich, Swardeston and Vauxhall Mallards.

Witchingham posted 232 for six, with South African Stephen Le Roux scoring 88 not out, Sam Arthurton 41, his father Shaun 32, and Richard Lilwall and Simon Chipperfield 20 each.

Mildenhall were then bowled out for 161, with Reynolds taking three wickets, Chipperfield and Le Roux two each.

Witchingham were without five of this season's regulars and chairman Graham Richardson said: “The players who came in did us proud, especially the two younger ones, Sam Arthurton and Gary Reynolds.

“I couldn't have asked for a better performance from the team. They all gelled well together and it was a brilliant day for the club.”

He added: “Rumours have been flying around that, even if we won, we wouldn't be going up and players were not going to be available to play, but we will certainly be lining up in the EAPL next year.”

League secretary Andy Abbott said: “Graham has assured me the club will definitely be taking up their place, and will be putting in writing that the work needed on scorers' and umpires' facilities will be in place prior to the start of next season.”

Hillington beat Hayley East Anglia by 81 runs at Hunstanton in the final of the Harrowing Cup, sponsored by BSA Mouldings. Hillington made 170 for nine in their 20 overs, with man-of-the-match Harry Bix scoring 53 and Matt Darlow taking four for 34, including a last over three-wicket maiden.

Hayley EA were bowled out for 89, with Scott Thaxton taling three for 23 and fellow spinner Andrew Jarvis two for two from only five balls.