A MAGNIFICENT opening stand between Duncan Hewitt and David Lake provided the catalyst for a Sunday runs fest as Dereham thrashed Swanton Morley at Norwich Road.

A MAGNIFICENT opening stand between Duncan Hewitt and David Lake provided the catalyst for a Sunday runs fest as Dereham thrashed Swanton Morley at Norwich Road.

The two openers batted for almost 29 overs in compiling a partnership of 210, as they tore into the Swanton Morley attack with a series of big shots. Lake cleared a row of houses on the legside boundary with one particularly vicious hit, whilst Hewitt was also savage on some friendly bowling from the visitors.

Lake eventually fell attempting another big hit to reach his century, having made an excellent 95 from just 82 deliveries. Hewitt continued to attack at will and deservedly reached his third century in Sunday League cricket this season.

Jon Crisp (32) provided good support in passing the strike to Hewitt, who proceeded to reach 150 for the second time this season, taking just 22 balls to reach the landmark after hitting his century. Hewitt finally fell for an astonishing 159 from just 118 balls. Dereham scored 124 in the last 10 overs to finish on an incredible 350-6 from their 40 overs.

In reply, Swanton Morley were never in with much chance of reaching the target after James Harbour and George Pledger both picked up early scalps.

Neal Widdows and Max Cheetham continued the good work of the opening duo by picking up a wicket apiece, before spinners Jordan Fletcher and Jake Anema completed the job, Anema taking 3-4 from 2.1 overs and Fletcher also picking up a deserved wicket.

Swanton Morley were all out for 98, with Duncan Appleby making 52.