Fakenham off to a winning start

Fakenham’s new captain Ben Harvey was very pleased with his side’s win on its return to the Frankly Digital Norfolk Alliance. They recorded a six-wicket Premier Division victory at Norwich & Coltishall Wanderers in a good all-round performance, writes John Cushion.

As Fakenham chased the home side’s total of 217 for nine, Harvey (75) and Keegan Monahan-Fairlee (74) enjoyed an opening stand of 165.

“We bowled and fielded well,” said Harvey. “Norwich got off to a good start with Ali Ponder playing some good shots. But we pegged them back.”

He thought Ian Slegg bowled “fantastically well” for his 4-30 off 13 overs bowled straight through without a rest. Toby Hood gave a very confident performance for an 18-year-old with his 1-30 off seven overs, Matthew Burton bowled well for his 2-34 off 11 and South African Rudi Hillerman claimed 2-40.

He arrived in Fakenham on Tuesday after visa problem delays. “It was nice for him to get his arm turning over off a full run. He was pleased to have got his first game out of the way,” said Harvey.

Of his knock, the Fakenham skipper admitted: “It’s always enjoyable to have a long bat. Keegan had been in great form in the friendlies and we had a lot of confidence in him.

“For me, it’s always nice to get the ball rolling well, especially as it was my first game as captain. We put on 165 and were both disappointed not to have seen it all the way through.” Fakenham won with 221 for four.

That gave Fakenham 23 points to N&CW’s six.

Other Premier Division games: Stow 129 (4pts), North Runcton 133-7 (21); Lowestoft Town 121 (2), Sprowston 122-4 (20); Diss 167-7 (22), Downham Town 133 (4); Brooke 299-7 (25), Vauxhall Mallards A 146 94).

Frustratingly, there is no first team fixture for Fakenham on Saturday because of the odd number of teams in the section. There is a home friendly with a touring side at Highfield Lawn, however.

The Alliance Division Two side starts its season at Hillington.