Bradenham show true grit

BRADENHAM fought out a losing draw against promotion seeking visitors Norwich and Coltishall Wanderers in Alliance Division One on Saturday.

Bradenham fielded first with both Brett Gates and Greg Caffyn bowling good lines and lengths, and this paid early dividends as Pilch was caught by Evans for just one.

Ali Ponder and South African Brent Bragge started to gain the upper hand in a partnership of 31, but Ponder went for one big shot too many and was caught at mid on by Blakeney off Stolworthy.

Another partnership of 59 involving Bragge and Stebbings ensued, and at 91-2 the visitors looked like compiling a big score. However, the introduction of Rob Thurley and Lewis Denmark changed the course of the innings as the Wanderers capitulated to 115-8 as Thurley 3-23 and Denmark 4-32 took six wickets for 24 runs in the space of 10 overs.

Jeremy Elliott batted sensibly with the tail, scoring 34 not out to take Wanderers to 167 for nine as Bradenham produced their best fielding and bowling performance of the season.

Chasing the total was never going to be easy against probably the best bowling attack in the division. Bradenham slumped to 15 for three and then 20 for four as Elliott and Scott Hayes produced a devastating opening spell.

Patrick Dewing and 15-year-old Lewis Denmark put on 39 in 14 overs. Dewing crashed two huge sixes but was bowled by Young attempting another maximum.

Young also picked up the wicket of Goodge as Bradenham lurched to 70 for six.

A draw and any batting bonus points became the only objective in Bradenham's fight against the drop and two extra points were achieved as Denmark, 27 from 115 balls, and 16-year-old Stolworthy, 17 from 55 balls, put on an unbeaten 34 to see out the game.

Bradenham next visit Bradfield.