Bradenham set hot pace

Bradenham (18 points) re-established their 24-point lead in Division One of the Lovewell Blake Norfolk Cricket Alliance with a convincing performance at Bradfield (6).

After an hour's delay due to rain and after winning the toss, skipper Mike Taylor made the inspirational decision to bat first in what appeared to be bowler-friendly conditions. The move appeared to have backfired at first, with Thurley being given out leg before wicket for seven in just the fifth over.

Luke Findlay and Tianne Mostert put together a stand of 25 before Findlay was caught behind for 11, leaving Bradenham on 39-2 in the 16th. Patrick Dewing and Mostert soon started to progress the score, but a turning point in the innings ironically came through the threat of further rain.

Bradenham's score stood at 73, and the pair put their foot on the accelerator to get to the first bonus batting point at 100 runs. Forty runs came in the next three overs and at the same time the threat of rain subsided.

The momentum was all with Bradenham, and although Dewing went for 29 and then Mostert for 67, Ryan Findlay (43 not out) and Mike Taylor (35 not out) kept the scoring rate up, to enable Bradenham to complete their 45 overs with an impressive 223-4.

Mostert and Mark Cator accounted for the home team openers in successive overs. The dangerous Kimber hit Brett Stolworthy straight to mid-off to give Ryan Findlay his second catch of the innings. A partnership of 35 then raised Bradfield's hopes, but it was scored at just two runs per over and Bradfield were well adrift of the run rate required to win.

Ryan Findlay bagged three wickets and Rob Thurley chipped in with two wickets so that Bradenham had a couple of overs to bowl at the Bradfield No 10. However, the experienced Dave Yarham was still at the crease and he ensured that no further wickets were lost as the game ended in a draw.