What do a former star Norwich City midfielder, a recent scorer in a Championship penalty shoot-out and a rugby player with 18 England caps all have in common? 

They all used to play cricket in the same mid Norfolk village, of course!

Tim Evans said he was not sure if there was something in the water at Bradenham Cricket Club, where he is chairman, but the success of former club players Todd Cantwell, Luton Town player Joe Taylor and Leicester Tigers’ Freddie Steward seemed to indicate there was.

Dereham Times: Todd Cantwell used to play for Norwich City, before his move to Rangers Todd Cantwell used to play for Norwich City, before his move to Rangers (Image: PA PA Wire/PA Images)

Mr Evans said: “We’re thrilled that all of these men have represented Bradenham at various times and have gone on to such great success professionally and also represent their respective countries.

“They’re all great people who we’ve had the privilege of calling a ‘Bear’ and we wish them further success over the coming years.”

Cantwell, from Dereham, was a regular player in the Bears’ junior teams before joining Norwich City and playing in the Premier League. He also represented England at Under-21 level and now plays for Rangers.

Steward – from a local farming family - also played for Bradenham's juniors - and has since moved on to line up with the Tigers alongside fellow Norfolk rugby legend Ben Youngs, and is also a regular in England's national side.

Dereham Times: Freddie Steward of England Rugby challenges for the high ball with Josh Adams of Wales and Alex Cuthbert of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021Freddie Steward of England Rugby challenges for the high ball with Josh Adams of Wales and Alex Cuthbert of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021 (Image: Phil Mingo/PPAUK)

Taylor - the latest former Bears player to find national success - played both junior and senior cricket in the village when his father was an opening batsman and wicketkeeper at the club.

After spells at Norwich City, King’s Lynn Town and Peterborough United, he was part of the Luton squad which won promotion to the Premier League on May 27, scoring a penalty. He also represents Wales at Under-21 level.

Dereham Times: Joe Taylor on his Peterborough United debut against Bournemouth Joe Taylor on his Peterborough United debut against Bournemouth (Image: Joe Dent/JMP)

Dereham Times: Tim Evans, chairman of Bradenham Cricket ClubTim Evans, chairman of Bradenham Cricket Club (Image: Lorraine Varney)