SWANTON MORLEY took full advantage of facing a Fosters side which could not field a full team by compiling a massive first innings total of 344-6 in the West Norfolk League Division One on Saturday.

SWANTON MORLEY took full advantage of facing a Fosters side which could not field a full team by compiling a massive first innings total of 344-6 in the West Norfolk League Division One on Saturday.

The runs were shared throughout the top order with Stuart Whitney and Damien Ryan forging a good first innings partnership which totalled 81 before Ryan was run out for 43.

This wicket brought Steve Shoesmith to the crease, who quickly scored 28 before being caught and bowled by C Collison, and Whitney fell shortly afterwards for a hard earned 45.

Jonny Bidewell continued his run of good scores by aggressively hitting 45, but was bowled when in full swing by Collison.

Duncan Appleby and Daniel Lake steadied the ship and put on a 99-run fifth wicket partnership before Appleby was unluckily bowled off his arm for a well constructed 51.

A couple of quick contributions by Brian Head and Peter Fuller got Swanton Morley past the eight batting points mark while Lake finished on an unbeaten 75 which included some cleanly hit boundaries.

During the Fosters innings Swanton Morley lost their opening bowler and captain Nathan Raines before he could bowl a ball after he was injured fielding in the first over.

This left Peter Fuller to open the bowling with Wayne McKinney, McKinney taking the early wicket of C Collinson thanks to a sharp catch by Bidewell in the gully.

The remaining Fosters' batsmen came out to bat out the overs and accrue batting points so Swanton Morley had to work hard to secure victory in the 43rd over.

Fuller bowled tightly and conceded only nine runs from his nine overs but finished wicketless, McKinney took one further wicket finishing with 2-45 off his 12 overs. Damien Ryan collected two wickets in his five overs.

This win earned Swanton Morley 23 points strengthening there position in the top four of the league. Next, Swanton face leaders Hayley East Anglia at home.