Fakenham in new cricket cup

The draw for the first round of Norfolk's new Sunday cricket cup competition, which involves Fakenham, has pitted together East Anglian Premier League rivals Vauxhall Mallards and Horsford.

The draw for the first round of Norfolk's new Sunday cricket cup competition, which involves Fakenham, has pitted together East Anglian Premier League rivals Vauxhall Mallards and Horsford.

The Norfolk Association of Cricket Officials Invitation Cup, sponsored by Clowes Nash Auctions, will effectively replace the Biss Trophy next season and the draw was made for the first two rounds and the semi-finals. Swardeston and Mallards' recent monopoly on Biss finals will definitely not be extended, as the pair have been drawn to potentially meet at the semi-final stage.

Great Witchingham, who will host the final on Sunday, September 6, have been drawn away to Lowestoft in the first round.

First round losers will go into a shield competition, with the final at Old Buckenham on Sunday, August 30.

Norfolk Association of Cricket Officials Invitation Cup first round draw: Brooke v Norwich, Old Buckenham v Acle, Diss v Swardeston, Lowestoft v Great Witchingham, Saham Toney v Fakenham, Cromer v North Runcton, Vauxhall Mallards v Horsford, Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers v Downham. Ties to be played Sunday, June 7 (1pm).

Second round: Diss or Swardeston v Brooke or Norwich (match A), Lowestoft or Great Witchingham v Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers or Downham (match B), Vauxhall Mallards or Horsford v Saham Toney or Fakenham (match C), Cromer or North Runcton v Old Buckenham or Acle (match D).

Semi-finals: Winners match B v winners match D, winners match A v winners match C.