BRADENHAM entertained Sheringham in the Norfolk Alliance Division One on Saturday and got the victory they needed to consolidate their mid-table position.

BRADENHAM entertained Sheringham in the Norfolk Alliance Division One on Saturday and got the victory they needed to consolidate their mid-table position.

After being inactive through poor weather with most of their rivals playing the week before, Bradenham were hovering nervously above the bottom places in the league and were in need of a win.

Skipper Kevin Blakey won the toss and inserted the opposition with overhead conditions definitely favouring the bowlers.

A steady start by the openers saw Sheringham reach 19 for no loss after nine overs. However, Brett Gates' fifth over proved vital as he removed Spillett, well caught by Lewis Denmark at second slip, followed next ball by Smith who was trapped lbw.

Another stand of 21 took the visitors to 42-2 before Gates claimed his third victim by clean bowling Kirby for a patient 15. Rob Thurley also claimed a wicket, having King caught one-handed by Graeme Campbell in the gully.

However, it was the introduction of part-time bowler Mark Hunter that hastened the Sheringham downfall. In a devastating spell of swing bowling Hunter claimed career best figures of 5-21 in seven overs to demolish the Sheringham lower middle order as they finished their innings on 96 all out.

Bradenham's innings did not start well as Thurley was caught at mid-wicket for one. However, Steven Matthews and Lewis Denmark played well to put on 40 for the second wicket before Denmark was also caught for 22.

Patrick Dewing joined Matthews and between them the experienced duo took Bradenham to the brink of victory. Matthews playing the anchor role for his 18 with Dewing punishing any loose deliveries, scoring 43 not out in a 39 ball innings.

Matthews fell with just 13 required as Brett Stolworthy (two not out) joined Dewing to administer the last rites as Bradenham gained a welcome 20 points.

Bradenham now look forward to a testing match at Sprowston.

Bradenham's main sponsor is Blue Print Mortgages. Match ball is sponsored by Trek Highway Services.

Sheringham: M Spillett c L Denmark b B Gates 14, S Kirby b B Gates 15, D Smith lbw B Gates 0, J Wright b M Hunter 15, D King c G Campbell b R Thurley 1, J Moy c C Balluza b M Hunter 6, J Hall c-b M Hunter 10, R Cooke b M Hunter 0, J Lloyd c P Dewing b B Stolworthy 11, E Tuck b M Hunter 0, C Moy not out 0; extras 24. Total 96. Bowling: B Stolworthy 8-1-23-1, B Gates 13-3-16-3, R Thurley 13-1-32-1, M Hunter 7-3-21-5.

Bradenham: S Matthews c S Matthews b B Stolworthy 18, R Thurley c S Matthews b B Gates 1, L Denmark lbw D Hillier 22, P Dewing not out 43, B Stolworthy not out 2; extras 13. Total 99-3. Bowling: J Wright 12-2-24-2, C Moy 5-0-16-0, J Moy 6-1-21-0, E Tuck 3-0-10-0, D Smith 3-1-10-1, J Hall 2-0-18-0.