Like their new kits, Fakenham's cricket teams had been much smarter this year.That was the comment from Gordon Turner, speaking at his president's day lunch on Sunday.

Like their new kits, Fakenham's cricket teams had been much smarter this year.

That was the comment from Gordon Turner, speaking at his president's day lunch on Sunday. He said all teams had looked extremely smart in new kit which the players bought, helped by a large contribution from Morrisons, writes John Cushion.

He said there was much pre-season talk with EAPL and Alliance skippers Sean Cooper and Paul Dunger promising patient supporters they would see competitive cricket from the Fakenham teams with a new direction and several new players. “I think you will agree they have fulfilled that promise.”

Of the EAPL side, he said Cooper had led from the front. Runs had come from many more players and on at least three occasions Fakenhm had teams hanging on for a draw with nine wickets down. If those games had been won the finishing position in the league would have been much higher.

For the last three seasons it had been the club's objective to gain promotion for the second XI. This year it had happened and the president congratulated the team who had played very competitive cricket with a blend of young and older players.

The third and fourth teams also achieved many good results with both teams playing many youngsters from the under-11s and 13s.

Sunday cricket had also prospered with the first team missing promotion by one place and the seconds winning their league and gaining promotion.

The youth teams also had a wonderful season with the under-11s winning the Terry Moore Trophy. “I have emphasized for a number of years the importance of the youth to the future of the club. This year has certainly proved that, with youth players appearing in all the senior teams and making good contributions.”

The president thanked sponsors Morrisons and Cookes of Fakenham and all who contributed to the running of the club.