Cricketers back to form

Dereham emerged from their recent slump in impressive style with an eight-wicket win against Alliance Division Two promotion contenders Swardeston A on Saturday.

Dereham emerged from their recent slump in impressive style with an eight-wicket win against Alliance Division Two promotion contenders Swardeston A on Saturday.

A run of six defeats in their last seven games had seen Joe Marczewski's side slip into the relegation picture, but they returned to their early season form to despatch a strong Swardeston side.

After winning the toss, Marczewski opted to bowl first and Kristien Fletcher produced the first wicket when Jonathan Martin played on in the sixth over.

Gary Starling then had Robbie Bridgstock brilliantly caught at slip by Neil Irons before Fletcher struck again, bowling Robert Ebbage.

Teenager Nic Cains claimed the key wicket of dangerman Kevin Cooper, again well held by Irons at slip to make it 46 for four.

Will Kennard batted impressively to make 23 but he fell to Jake Anema and when Nick Foster was run out for 27, Dereham were firmly in charge at 102 for six.

Swardeston launched a brief recovery, but Anema held on to a well-judged catch at mid on to remove Chris Kennard, with Cains the successful bowler.

Fletcher then returned to the attack with devastating effect, bowling Josh Waterman before visiting skipper Neil Taylor skied his first ball to mid off, where Marczewski managed to cling on to the catch in the swirling wind.

Fletcher's five-wicket haul was completed when Phil Banyard held a one-handed catch in the covers to remove David Horrex as Swardeston were all out for 147.

Max Cheetham was promoted to open the innings with Duncan Hewitt and he responded superbly, playing attacking shots from the start.

His approach prompted Swardeston to turn to spin after just five overs, but Cheetham continued to flay the ball to all parts as Dereham brought up the 50 in the 12th over.

Cheetham completed his half-century and he had made 70 before he was caught, with the score on 102.

Irons was given out lbw soon afterwards, but Banyard (16no) joined Hewitt (51no) and they steadily accumulated the required runs as Dereham won in the 37th over, with the bonus of reaching 150 for an extra batting point.

They now face two crucial games to complete their season, against already relegated Dersingham this Saturday and then Garboldisham, who occupy the other relegation spot.

An under-strength Dereham A side, already relegated from Alliance Division Four, slumped to a 10-wicket defeat at Old Buckenham A. David Lake (23) and Elliott Colman (27) were Dereham's top scorers.