Fakenham (168 for six) lost to Horsford (171 for nine)

FAKENHAM’S first warm-up match for the 2012 season saw a close match against a near full strength Horsford.

Fakenham won the toss and invited Horsford to bat. The first 20 overs were a typical cold early season encounter, with the bowling a little off target and fielders getting back into the their stride. At the drinks break Horsford were 87 without loss and captain Ben Harvey called for more intensity from the team. They responded by taking nine wickets in the final 20 overs leaving Horsford restricted to 171. James Moy claimed six wickets and was on a hat-trick after removing Norfolk coach and Horsford captain Chris Brown first ball.

Fakenham’s reply started steadily enough but after losing three quick wickets, the run rate started to fall behind the clock. Moy and Will Dunger came together at 44 for three, putting on a 98-run partnership. Dunger was caught after scoring an elegant 51 and Moy was run out on 44 attempting a second run. A sterling effort from Steve Piper and Fakenham debutant David King fell just four runs short of the target, leaving Fakenham to rue the 23 extras they had conceded in the Horsford innings.